Illinois Social Workers Condemn Sen. Durbin’s Vote to Advance Harmful Spending Bill, Call for New Leadership

CHICAGO – The National Association of Social Workers - Illinois Chapter (NASW-IL) strongly opposes the passage of the latest government spending bill, which prioritizes the interests of the wealthy and powerful at the expense of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

This legislation will have devastating consequences for social workers and the people we serve in Illinois—undermining critical social services, weakening protections for marginalized communities, and exacerbating the workforce crisis in social work by failing to fund essential programs. Every day, social workers fight for affordable housing, accessible healthcare, mental health support, and child welfare protections, yet this bill threatens the very infrastructure we rely on to do that work.

We are deeply disappointed that Sen. Dick Durbin, a leader who has long fought for justice, chose to stand with those who seek to dismantle the safety net rather than with the millions of Illinoisans who depend on it. Throughout his career, Sen. Durbin has championed many causes that improved lives, but this moment demands leaders who will rise to the challenge—not retreat from it. If he is no longer willing to fight for working families, frontline social workers, and the communities we serve, then it is time for him to step aside and allow a new generation to take up the fight.

Illinois needs bold, unwavering leadership that will invest in social services, defend civil rights, and stand up to those who prioritize corporate interests over human needs. We thank the other members of Illinois’ Democratic delegation who opposed this bill and call on our state’s voters to demand better. The next election must be about change. Our communities—and the future of social work—depend on it.