NW Illinois News

Illinois could face annual penalties exceeding $700 million due to high error rates in the administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), according to recent reports. State Senate Republicans are now calling for greater transparency and corrective action.

SNAP, which helps low-income families with food assistance, has seen a rise in payment errors in Illinois. The state currently ranks below 38 others nationwide in terms of payment accuracy. Federal law mandates that states with an error rate above 10 percent must repay 15 percent of their total SNAP benefits. In fiscal year 2024, Illinois’ error rate reached 11.56 percent, among the highest in the nation as reported by the USDA.

“We need increased transparency and urging the Administration to take immediate action to fix the errors and stop the fraud and abuse in the SNAP program,” said Senate Republicans.

In other news, Senator Andrew Chesney’s office will hold traveling office hours across various locations within Illinois’ 45th District during August and September. Staff will be available to assist residents with issues related to unemployment, firearm owner identification delays, professional licensure problems, and other state agency concerns.

“My highly trained constituent services staff is very skilled at helping residents cut through the red tape of government bureaucracy and helping resolve issues involving state agencies or departments. Because the 45th District is geographically quite large, my staff is bringing the services provided by the office to communities across Northwest Illinois,” said Senator Chesney.

He added: “My staff can provide assistance with unemployment issues, FOID and Concealed Carry delays, professional licensure issues, and more. If you are having an issue that involves a state agency or department, please mark your calendar and stop by the event closest to you.”

Chesney clarified that he would not attend these events but assured constituents that his staff would be present: “Please note that these events are specifically related to constituent services, so I will not be in attendance. However, my very capable staff will be available at each venue to provide help to constituents who stop by.”

Additionally, Senator Chesney’s office continues to offer a free museum pass card for up to four people from his district for entry into several major museums and zoos in Chicagoland. The pass is available on a first come first served basis.

“Did you know my office offers a FREE museum pass card for up to four people to visit several of Chicagoland’s world-class museums and zoos? This offer is available to residents of the 45th Senate District. From the Art Institute, to the Field Museum, to Brookfield Zoo, and the Shedd Aquarium and more, this Museum Pass Card is available on a first come first served basis,” said Chesney.

Residents interested in reserving a pass should call his district office; use is limited only on reserved dates.

Chesney was elected as Republican senator representing Illinois’ 45th Senate District in 2023 after succeeding Brian Stewart.