Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) launched his Illinois “affordability tour” on January 27, making stops across the state to spotlight how “rising costs and federal funding cuts” are affecting families and to advocate solutions aimed at lowering everyday “expenses and protect opportunity.”

“Across Illinois, families are paying more for everyday essentials – prescriptions, groceries, and more – while this administration cuts community institutions and family support systems,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “From East St. Louis to Champaign-Urbana to Normal, I’m fighting these abrupt, often politically motivated cuts that do nothing but hurt our families. Affordability and opportunity shouldn’t depend on where you live in our state or the temperament of the President on any given day.”

According to a statement from the Congressman’s office issued January 28, the tour began in East St. Louis, where he met with pharmacists and staff at an independent community pharmacy to discuss how pharmacy benefit managers inflate prescription drug prices, reimburse pharmacies below cost, and restrict patient choice, putting access to care at risk in underserved communities. Local pharmacists also described efforts to help patients navigate changes in the health care system stemming from Medicaid cuts and the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits.

“We’ve been caring for our community since 1985, and we intend to continue for many years to come,” said Chandler Welby, Chief Operating Officer of Medicate Pharmacy in East St. Louis. “PBM reform is critical to ensuring we can keep providing our patients with the care they need and deserve.”

In Champaign-Urbana, the Congressman toured the University of Illinois’ Soybean Innovation Lab to examine how federal reductions to agricultural research and USAID programs could weaken Illinois farmers, disrupt food supply chains, and increase long-term costs for consumers. The lab, described as a center of research and innovation within the nation’s top soybean-exporting state, is navigating approximately $25 million in cuts that, according to the statement, abruptly halted ongoing research.

“Federal investment in agricultural research has been foundational to U.S. leadership in food and agriculture, creating new markets for Illinois producers and strengthening food systems around the world,” said Pete Goldsmith, Director of the Soybean Innovation Lab at the University of Illinois. “The Soybean Innovation Lab shows how research at Illinois translates into real benefits for farmers at home and resilient agricultural economies abroad.”

The statement noted that the tour concluded at Fairview Elementary School in Normal, where the Congressman met with educators and community partners to call for the restoration of Full-Service Community Schools and afterschool funding that many working families rely on.

“The Trump administration abruptly rescinded $55 million in federal funding from Illinois Full-Service Community Schools, which provide afterschool programs, mental health services, and other family supports to children in every corner of the state. Funding is slated to lapse in just days if the administration does not reverse course,” the statement added.

“Community schools help break down real-life barriers to learning, including food insecurity, lack of clothing, and limited access to basic services,” said Dr. Kristen Weikle, superintendent of Fairview Elementary School. “These programs support families so students can come to school ready to learn. Continued federal investment is critical to ensuring every child has a fair chance to succeed.”

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