DHS wants millions more from taxpayers after federal SNAP changes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Human Services is seeking millions of extra dollars from state taxpayers due to federal policy changes.

Illinois DHS Secretary Dulce Quintero told the Illinois House Appropriations – Health and Human Services Committee on Thursday that federal changes require additional state investments to address Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid.

State Rep. Bill Hauter, R-Morton, questioned Quintero when she said the department would need $40 million to hire 450 new caseworkers.

“That’s a huge number. I’m astonished that we need 450 new employees,” Hauter said.

Illinois DHS Assistant Secretary of Programs John Schomberg said the caseworkers could save the state hundreds of millions of dollars.

“By investing in these caseworkers we are preserving services and access and keeping people on SNAP and Medicaid,” Schomberg said.

Schomberg said the savings could come in the form of both direct federal benefits and also in helping the state reduce its SNAP error rate.

The Department of Human Services’ budget request for fiscal year 2027 is $6.9 billion in state general revenue funds and $10.6 billion when all state and federal dollars are included.

Quintero said the request reflects a 5.9% increase over projected spending in 2026.

One DHS official told the committee it would be too costly for the state to provide one-time food payments to people who lose SNAP benefits.

State Rep. Dagmara Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, said up to 250,000 Illinoisans are at risk of losing SNAP benefits next month due to new federal rules that require recipients to work.

“House Bill 4720 would create a one-time emergency assistance payment of $600, which is about equal to three months of the average SNAP benefit per person,” Avelar said.

When state Rep. Jackie Haas, R-Kankakee, asked about the fiscal impact and DHS’ position, Illinois Department of Human Services Legislative Affairs Director Kelly Hubbard responded.

“I did file a witness slip of opposition due to the cost of the proposed program, which is outside of our current FY27 budget. We estimate the cost would be $125 million,” Hubbard said.

An amended version of HB 4720 remained in committee after House members wrapped up their time in session this week.