Governor Pritzker Blasts Trump’s Partisan Freeze to Crucial Child Care and Family Assistance Programs
Approximately 152,000 children in Illinois are served through the Child Care Assistance Program that the Trump administration is attacking
January 7, 2026
CHICAGO – Today, the Trump Administration and Department of Health and Human Services announced the freezing of $10 billion in federal funds, including approximately $1 billion for Illinois, for social services and child care across five of the nation’s largest states — targeting these states because they are led by Governors of the opposite political party.
Late Tuesday evening, the Trump-led Administration for Children and Families sent letters to the State of Illinois freezing all funds for program and services provided through the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Instead of working with states or providers who help families access affordable childcare, this announcement was rolled out through anonymous quotes and social media — deliberately sowing confusion and fear among Illinois families who are already struggling with an affordability crisis worsened by President Trump’s tariffs, budget cuts, and inaction.
“Rather than making life easier and more affordable for our families, Donald Trump is stripping away child care from Illinois families who are just trying to go to work,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thousands of parents and children depend on these child care programs to help them make ends meet, and now their livelihoods are being put at risk. This is wrong, it is cruel, and we will take every step possible to defend the kids and families depending on all of us right now.”
Impacts in Illinois
- Around 100,000 families, including more than 152,000 children, are served through the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which is partially funded through the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG).
- The TANF block grant supports thousands of licensed child care providers in every county of Illinois. TANF funds are used both to support the Illinois CCAP, and to support the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Daycare licensing work, which impacts providers and families in every corner of the state.
- The Social Services Block Grant supports 275 organizations statewide through 17 program areas designed to protect the network of Illinois human service providers and ensure the health and welfare of children, seniors, people with disabilities, and those facing poverty and food insecurity.
Additional Background on the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program
The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provides subsidized childcare to low-income working families and is the primary mechanism through which federal child care and TANF Block Grant dollars — along with significant state General Revenue Funds — support families in Illinois. CCAP currently supports care for more than 150,000 children statewide, enabling parents and caregivers to maintain employment, pursue education or training, and contribute to Illinois’ economy.
CCAP is a cornerstone of Illinois’ workforce and economic infrastructure — supporting essential workers, stabilizing child care providers, and ensuring that families are not forced to choose between safe child care and keeping their jobs. Any disruption to CCAP funding threatens not only children and families, but also employers, child care providers, and local economies across the state.
Serving Families and Protecting Taxpayers
The Illinois Department of Human Services, the Illinois Department of Early Childhood, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services operate within robust procedures and protocol to prevent, report, and address alleged fraud. The Departments are engaged in ongoing, regular reviews and auditing of organizations that receive state and federal funding, but the Trump Administration has provided no detailed information or evidence to the state about any alleged fraud. The State of Illinois will continue to foster transparency, safety, and accountability in the distribution of funds and administration of programs, ensuring that Illinois children are cared for and Illinois taxpayers are protected.
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