CHICAGO, IL (Chambana Today) – On Saturday, July 26, hundreds of protesters gathered in Chicago, Champaign, Carbondale, and Rockford to oppose sweeping federal policies they say are stripping away vital services from working families. The demonstrations, organized by SEIU Healthcare Illinois (HCII) and supported by SEIU Local 1, SEIU Local 73, and The People’s Lobby, were part of a nationwide day of action denouncing President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ new tax legislation.
The protests centered around proposed cuts to Medicaid, food assistance programs, and other federal safety nets, which demonstrators argued would impact children, seniors, and people with disabilities. “I care for my mother and brother, both of whom rely on Medicaid,” said Dr. Charisse Drakeford, a home care worker from SEIU HCII. “If they lose that, I don’t know what we’ll do.”
In Chicago, protesters marched from Union Park to Valor Equity Partners, calling out its CEO Antonio Gracias for benefiting from tax breaks they claim come at the expense of essential public services. “He’s one of the top DOGE billionaires attacking our agencies and redirecting public funds,” said Margaret Heywood-Smith, another home care worker.
Chants of “Families not Billionaires” echoed across the rallies, with leaders like SEIU Local 73 President Dian Palmer demanding that the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share in taxes. State Senator Lakesia Collins, herself a former care worker, emphasized the protests were about values: “Every family deserves healthcare, food, and safety — no matter their zip code or immigration status.”