SPRINGFIELD — As the federal government takes steps to dismantle agencies and lay off qualified public servants who administer key programs serving millions of Americans, State Senator Cristina Castro ushered in a new law protecting state-administered federal programs from future interference.

“The days of politically-motivated hiring and partisan handouts of government jobs are over — and this law makes certain it stays that way,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Essential programs like Medicaid and SNAP are successful because the employees who administer them are hired based on merit, not their loyalty to the president.”

State hiring standards for employees who administer specific grant programs have been in place since 1883. These standards, included in Illinois’ Personnel Code, 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 merit-based requirements include Medicaid, aging services, unemployment insurance, SNAP, foster care and adoption assistance, and multiple grant programs serving people with disabilities.

Castro’s law codifies the current merit-based standards within the Personnel Code, ensuring that if the federal government weakens or eliminates its requirements, key programs like unemployment insurance, disaster aid, SNAP and Medicaid will continue to be administered in Illinois by qualified, capable public employees.

“From seniors and people with disabilities to families affected by natural disasters, millions of Americans are worried about what’s going to happen to the programs and services they rely on,” Castro said. “We’re making sure the protections we have for workers who oversee these programs can’t be taken away by the federal government.”

House Bill 1586 was signed into law Friday and takes effect immediately.