Duckworth Hosts “We Can’t Afford This” Telephone Town Hall

Duckworth Hosts "We Can't Afford This" Telephone Town Hall

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Tonight, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) hosted a telephone town hall to hear firsthand how Illinois families are enduring higher grocery, gas and health care costs. During her "We Can't Afford This" Telephone Town Hall, Duckworth discussed the devastating consequences that Trump's Medicaid cuts, tariffs and ongoing illegal war are having on their wallets. She also highlighted her ongoing work to hold the Trump Administration accountable while supporting Illinois families and protecting the essential programs they rely on.

"Grocery bills, energy bills and health care bills are piling up. From Elgin to Romeoville to Chicago, families all across Illinois are telling me the same thing: 'We can't afford this,'" said Senator Duckworth. "Donald Trump promised families he would lower costs and protect their wallets, but instead, he has delivered a cratered economy where Illinoisans are getting left behind. Families deserve better, and I'm laser-focused on doing everything I can to lower costs, protect access to health care and hold this Administration accountable. The damage Republicans have done will take more than a repair job-we need a top-to-bottom renovation that puts families first."

The average Illinois household has paid more than $4,200 in higher costs for everyday essentials under the Trump Administration, including an additional $1,091 on housing costs, $310 for groceries and approximately $654 more in gas costs.

Earlier this month, Duckworth hosted a roundtable discussion with local Quad Cities leaders to discuss how they can address what too many Americans are feeling every day: "We Can't Afford This." Over the summer, Duckworth also hosted a telephone town hall and a listening session alongside U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) focusing on the devastating consequences of Trump's so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" one year later, including cuts that jeopardize health care, food assistance and economic security for thousands of Illinoisans.

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