A children's advocacy group is calling for increased state funding of programs that benefit kids in poverty. A report from Voices for Illinois Children says the expansion of Medicaid was the biggest single source of assistance for this population.
Between 2005 and 2012, children’s enrollment in Medicaid and related programs in Winnebago County increased by 61 percent, compared to 47 percent statewide.
Illinois Kids Count 2014 Full Report
Community-Level Findings: Rockford
Emily Miller is the organization's advocacy director. She says threats to cut back on Medicaid to balance the state's checkbook will hurt low-income children.
"Our families and communities cannot afford the level of cuts that would be required to put this state into the black. It's really important that lawmakers understand and hear this call. Our communities cannot survive with the cuts that have been discussed," Miller said.
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle say the state's Medicaid program has grown to unsustainable levels, and needs to be overhauled.