Governor JB Pritzker, joined by Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Senator Tammy Duckworth, and community leaders, released the “Fighting for Illinois: The Day One Agenda” at Columbus Park on Chicago’s West Side on November 4, 2026, outlining 200 policy proposals for the newly elected U.S. Congress to counter federal funding cuts and policy shifts enacted by the Trump administration.
The newly unveiled policy package targets federal rollbacks across healthcare, education, the economy, and public safety. Pritzker stated that the agenda provides a practical roadmap to repair damage from federal policies while addressing everyday costs for working families.
Challenging Federal Cuts to Healthcare and Human Services
The state-level analysis directed by Pritzker focuses heavily on reversing federal measures implemented over the past two years. The agenda calls on Congress to repeal Medicaid and SNAP cuts enacted in H.R. 1, including cost-sharing adjustments and administrative requirements designed to strip vulnerable residents of benefits.
Lt. Gov. Stratton criticized the federal administration’s approach during the rollout event at the historic Columbus Park, a site that benefitted from the Works Progress Administration.
“The Trump Administration has made it clear that their values are rooted in the whims and hateful views of a small few.”
Stratton said.
Education and Economic Proposals for the New Congress
On the educational front, the Day One agenda demands the full restoration of the U.S. Department of Education, the reinstatement of tax exemptions for student loan forgiveness, and the passage of the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act to protect college access for low-income students. The plan also calls for codifying Head Start program performance standards and protecting funding for the Child Care and Development Fund.
Illinoisans need an agenda that matches the scale and scope of the damage Donald Trump has inflicted. This is a moment to think bigger and to tackle the challenges long ignored. We are recommending 200 immediate steps in our playbook that the new Congress can take. pic.twitter.com/kBailFYeqp
To stimulate economic relief, the policy package urges Congress to pass legislation returning unlawful tariff payments, expand USDA assistance to support reopening the Joslin plant under an independent operator for Illinois’ beef industry, fully fund the Brandon Road Interbasin Project, and allow year-round nationwide E15 fuel sales.
Sen. Duckworth emphasized the direct contrast between federal actions and the priorities of congressional Democrats following the recent election.
“Last night, the American people sent a message loud and clear: They are sick of the chaos, higher costs and corruption coming out of this White House.”
Duckworth said.
State Leaders Demand Disaster Aid Based on Measurable Need
The infrastructure framework within the agenda specifies that federal disaster declarations and assistance should rely strictly on measurable need rather than political voting patterns. State leaders also requested reversing the shift of unfunded emergency management responsibilities onto state governments, maintaining Buy America requirements for electric vehicle chargers at 55%, and reinstating $20 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for carbon management projects in Illinois.
Further public safety and environmental directives include amending the Clean Air Act to authorize the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate greenhouse gases, creating a lead service line replacement program inside the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, and passing the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act.
While the Trump administration tries to send the National Guard into our cities or cut food assistance for our families and kids, Illinois is fighting back. That's who we are. pic.twitter.com/g1uT5hu23C
