CONGRESSMAN DANNY K. DAVIS WARNS OF RISING HEALTH CARE PREMIUMS AND SNAP CUTS IMPACTING FAMILIES IN ILLINOIS AND THE 7TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Danny K Davis (7th District of Illinois)

CHICAGO, IL – Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07) today sounded the alarm on looming health care premium increases and the termination of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits that threaten thousands of families in Illinois’s 7th Congressional District. In a press conference at Bethel Family Ministries, he also announced the addition of a new “Tell Your Story” feature on his congressional website, inviting residents to submit their experiences as the impact of the shutdown deepens.

Beginning October 27, many families will face sharp increases in health care premiums unless Congress acts to extend critical tax credits. Simultaneously, SNAP benefits for nearly 1.9 million Illinois residents will be cut off as early as November 1 if operations remain halted.

“On October 27, thousands of families in our district will see their health care premiums rise, and by November 1, many more will lose food assistance entirely if our government does not reopen. That’s why today I’m launching a new ‘Tell Your Story’ feature at davis.house.gov — so residents can speak about what this crisis truly means for their lives. Their voices must be heard, because real people are paying the cost of political gridlock.” – Congressman Danny K. Davis

The congressman highlighted key data illustrating the looming crisis:

• Approximately 19,000 residents in the 7th District stand to see their health care costs spike if tax credits disappear.

• Families of four earning $64,000 could face premium hikes of up to 243 percent; a 60‑year‑old couple earning $82,800 may see an increase of more than $13,000 annually.

• In the district, 64,091 households (roughly 19.9 percent) rely on SNAP — with benefits slated to end November 1 if the shutdown continues.

Congressman Davis reaffirmed his commitment to protecting vulnerable families, seniors, and children in the district. He said, “These are not statistics. They are our neighbors, our friends, our family members. When health care becomes unaffordable and food assistance disappears, our entire community suffers. We must put people ahead of politics.” 

State Representative La Shawn K. Ford, who joined Congressman Davis at the press conference, emphasized the local impact and called for bipartisan cooperation. He said, “This is not about party lines, it’s about the lives of the people we serve. Our families deserve stability, food, and affordable health care. I stand with Congressman Davis in calling on Congress to reopen the government and protect Illinois families.” 

Congressman Davis urged his colleagues in Congress to act immediately to reopen the government, protect SNAP benefits, extend health care tax credits, and prevent a tragic rollback of access for working families.