State Senator Cristina Castro is championing legislation to protect state-administered federal programs from future federal interference amid moves from the federal government to dismantle agencies and lay off qualified civil servants who oversee programs like Medicaid, SNAP and disaster aid, affecting millions of Americans each day.

“People in Illinois benefit from effective government services because the employees who administer these programs are hired based on their merit and qualifications — not based on loyalty,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Upholding merit-based standards for key programs like Medicaid will make sure Illinois continues serving residents with competence and compassion.”

Federal merit systems — standards that states must adhere to for employees who administer specific grant programs — have been in place since the passage of the Civil Service Act in 1883. These standards are meant to ensure the individuals responsible for federal dollars are highly qualified, treated fairly, safeguarded from discrimination, compensated adequately and protected from partisan coercion. Programs currently covered by federal merit requirements include Medicaid, aging services, unemployment insurance, SNAP, foster care and adoption assistance, and several grant programs serving people with disabilities and families with dependent children.

Under Castro’s measure, the current personnel merit requirements would be codified in state law, ensuring that if the federal government weakens or eliminates its requirements, key programs like unemployment insurance, SNAP and Medicaid will continue to be administered in Illinois by qualified, capable public employees.

“We can’t sit on our hands and wait for agencies to be hollowed out and inflict severe damage on the institutions and federal dollars we rely on,” Castro said. “This is a clear, simple step we can take to protect civil servants who are committed to the public good.”

House Bill 1586 passed the Senate Thursday with bipartisan support.