By: Jorge Arteaga, Midwest Advocacy Manager
The spring 2025 legislative session in Springfield has officially wrapped up, and it was a busy one, especially with the state’s tight budget. At Young Invincibles, alongside our dedicated advocates and supportive legislators, we worked tirelessly to ensure that crucial programs supporting college students and young adults were protected from budget cuts.
Political Landscape: Fighting Against Federal Actions and Tight Budgets
The impact of federal policy changes and budget deficits at the state level created a looming feeling of uncertainty across Springfield. Shifts in federal funding for programs like SNAP and Medicaid, attempts to defund the Department of Education, and attacks on equity initiatives across the country, combined with state-level budget deficits, created a growing sense of uncertainty in Springfield. While addressing Illinois’ own budget shortfall, the General Assembly also had to find ways to meet the needs of its residents due to the drastic cuts in federal funding.
Outcomes from the Legislative Session
Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act
Through consistent advocacy efforts, we successfully ensured that public colleges and universities did not face budget cuts related to the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act (MHEACA). The MHEACA received continued funding of $13 million, allowing institutions to provide essential mental health services, screenings, and support for students. While this ongoing funding is critical, it remains insufficient to fully meet student needs. To fully fund the Act, the General Assembly would have needed to allocate an additional $10 million.
In addition to continued funding, HB3385 passed the General Assembly, further strengthening this Act. This legislation requires that the expert panel at every college receiving funding be composed of at least two administrators, two faculty members, and one mental health professional. The board of trustees designates this expert panel to develop and implement policies and procedures in accordance with the MHEACA. Schools are also required to provide at least three on-site licensed clinical professional counselors or social workers; fewer can be allowed in accordance with the ratio of students to support staff listed in this Act.
Monetary Award Program (MAP)
For Fiscal Year 2026, legislators have approved an additional $10 million in funding for the Monetary Award Program (MAP), bringing the total to $721 million. While this was an increase, it falls significantly short of our $50 million request and remains insufficient to fully meet the financial needs of all students pursuing higher education in Illinois.
Making SNAP Access for College Students Easier (SB1298)
This legislative session, Young Invincibles and Greater Chicago Food Depository introduced SB1298, a bill aimed at making it easier for low-income public college students to enroll in SNAP. With the support of Chief Co-Sponsor Senator Graciela Guzman, the bill passed in the Senate and was heard in the House of Representatives. However, we were unable to advance this legislation out of the Human Services Committee. While the bill did not pass this session, we remain committed to advocating for improved SNAP access for students in Illinois by allowing educational programs in higher education to qualify as a substitute for current student work requirements.
Public Higher Education Funding Formula (SB13/HB1581)
As part of the Coalition to Transform Higher Education Funding, we introduced legislation aimed at establishing a model to ensure that public universities in Illinois are adequately and equitably funded. Although this legislation did not pass, our advocacy efforts, including subject matter hearings, educating, and engaging legislators, college presidents, administrators, and current students, laid the foundation for future conversations. We will continue to advocate for an adequate and equitable funding formula that supports all of Illinois’ public colleges and universities.
Child Tax Credit Funding Increase
The Illinois General Assembly passed a state budget that increased funding for the Illinois Child Tax program by $100 million. Eligible families with at least one child under 12 will now receive up to $600 in addition to their federal and state credits, providing meaningful relief where needed most. This increase is vital for Illinois residents as it provides additional relief, especially as federal assistance begins to decline.
Young Adults Taking Action
This session vividly demonstrated the power of young people’s voices in shaping policy. Through on-campus, digital, and other advocacy efforts, budget cuts to the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act were prevented. Additionally, passionate testimonies, panel discussions, and focus groups on college access and affordability showcased young adults’ expertise and determination for accessible education. New partnerships and collaborations helped YI train and mobilize over 400 students and young adults across the state. Young people showed up and took action, proving to be an undeniable force in the legislative process and making their voice heard.
Young adults are a powerful force in organizing and advocacy. With their support, we were able to host various events around the state, engaging young adults on their campuses and in the halls of the Capitol:
- Press conference for Mental Health Early Action on Campus
- Listening sessions at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Rally at the Lincoln Statue in Springfield
- Higher Education Advocacy Day in Springfield
What is Next?
Looking ahead, Young Invincibles Midwest will continue to advocate and build on the legislative progress that we made in the 2025 session. There is still significant unfinished business, particularly passing legislation that would make it easier for public college students to have access to SNAP, implementing a public higher education funding formula, and funding necessary programs like the Monetary Award Program and the Mental Health Early Action on Campus. We remain committed to ensuring that young Illinoisans have the resources and support they need to succeed, and we look forward to your joining us in this fight.
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Thank you to every young leader, legislator, and community partner who made this session powerful. Let’s keep building together.