Advocates Rally in Normal to Defend Senior Services Amid Federal Policy Shakeup

June 2, 2025 — Normal, IL — Community advocates, seniors, and local officials gathered in uptown Normal on Monday to rally in defense of vital senior services threatened by recent shifts in federal policy and potential funding rollbacks. The event, organized by the Central Illinois Aging Coalition, comes as senior care providers statewide brace for the fallout of proposed changes to Medicare, nutrition programs, and home-based care reimbursements.

Holding signs reading “Protect Our Elders” and “Care Can’t Wait,” dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the McLean County Government Center to call on both state and federal leaders to safeguard aging services they say are essential to the health, dignity, and independence of older adults.

“These are not optional programs — they’re lifelines,” said Linda Garvey, director of a local Area Agency on Aging. “We’re talking about meals for homebound seniors, transportation to medical appointments, and in-home care that keeps people out of nursing facilities.”

The rally was sparked by a proposed federal restructuring of Medicaid waiver programs and anticipated cuts to Title III funding under the Older Americans Act. If enacted, local providers warn they may have to reduce hours, cap enrollment, or even shutter certain services altogether.

Illinois currently serves more than 2 million residents over the age of 60, many of whom rely on community-based services to remain independent. For McLean County alone, officials estimate that over 4,000 seniors could be directly affected by cuts to programs such as Meals on Wheels, caregiver support, and senior transportation.

“We’re already stretched thin,” said Janice Ford, a home care provider who spoke at the rally. “If we lose more funding, we lose more seniors — not just in terms of services, but their connection to community, safety, and wellbeing.”

Local lawmakers, including State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), voiced support for the advocates’ demands. Koehler called for increased state investment in senior services to offset any federal reductions, urging fellow legislators to “act now, before the damage is irreversible.”

What’s Next: The Central Illinois Aging Coalition is planning follow-up meetings with congressional offices and is organizing a letter-writing campaign aimed at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are exploring emergency funding options as the budget deadline looms later this week.