Statement from LSSI President and CEO Mark Stutrud: Advocating for the People We Serve
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is aware of the sweeping budget reconciliation bill, called the “Big Beautiful Bill,” recently passed by the U.S. House and now under U.S. Senate consideration. It is expected that the Senate will begin voting on its version of the bill on Friday, June 28, with action continuing through the weekend. This bill threatens to dismantle Medicaid, devastating our country’s social and human services sectors, and the very people LSSI is called to serve. The people who will be affected by Medicaid cuts include children in foster care, older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income families, to name a few.
While this legislation is framed by some as a solution to address Medicaid’s long-term sustainability, the reality is that its proposed changes would weaken, not strengthen, the program. The claims used to justify these proposals do not reflect the complexities of Medicaid or the real-life needs of those who depend on it.
Here’s why these claims don’t hold up:
Claim 1: “States should pay more toward Medicaid coverage instead of relying on the federal government.” Shifting costs to states will force cuts to eligibility and services. States like Illinois cannot absorb these costs without slashing vital programs and services. Vulnerable people will lose coverage, and community providers will be pushed to the brink.
Claim 2: “There are many able-bodied adults on Medicaid who should be working and getting insurance through their employer.” The myth of the “able-bodied” adult ignores reality. Most adults on Medicaid are working in jobs—often low-wage or part-time positions—without health benefits, caregiving, or managing health conditions. Cutting Medicaid won’t make them healthier—it will make them more vulnerable.
Claim 3: “The Medicaid provider tax is fraudulent and should be eliminated.” Eliminating the provider tax—a legal, widely used funding tool—would blow holes in state budgets and dismantle safety net services. For LSSI, this includes our 24/7 behavioral health programs in hospital emergency departments. Hospitals, nursing homes, and community providers, many of whom support the tax, would suffer first. Patients would suffer the most.
Over 3.4 million Illinoisans, roughly a quarter of our state’s population, rely on Medicaid. At LSSI, the majority of our 56,000 clients depend on it. Without it, our mission to bring healing, justice, and wholeness to people and communities will become more challenging in the future.
LSSI remains committed to promoting dignity, enhancing health and well-being, and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We urge policymakers to preserve the vital supports that make this possible for the most vulnerable members of our communities. Together, we must continue to protect Medicaid—and the lives it sustains.
In Faith,
Mark A. Stutrud
President and CEO
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois
