U.S. Senator Richard Durbin (D-Ill) listened Friday as members of the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce shared their insights on future federal government cuts and ways to enhance the South Suburbs and maintain a strong workforce.
Hope for a final decision on the South Suburban Airport, concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) and the need for regulation as it impacts business and personal lives, the property tax burden, and ways to bring the South Suburbs to the forefront were all topics on the table at the luncheon Friday, July 11, at Flossmoor Station and Brewery.
Members of the chamber thanked Durbin for his many years of service. Durbin announced in April his retirement from elected office. U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, who represents the South Suburbs in Congress, is vying for Durbin’s seat in the March 2026 primary along with at least five other candidates. Durbin said he wouldn’t handicap the senate race.
The recently approved federal budget and the cuts ahead were major concerns. Paul Donohue, chairman of the chamber and a representative of UChicago Medicine, said the population in the South Suburbs will likely be impacted by the cuts.
UChicago Medicine’s Ingalls Hospital in Harvey has been designated a safety net hospital and receives additional state dollars. Through satellite offices in Flossmoor, Homewood, Tinley Park and Orland Park, the hospital has become an economic driver for the area. Donohue anticipates the hospital will be able to remain an economic engine, despite the expected Medicaid cuts.
Jennel Hooper, executive director of the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce, said, “We’re relying on dollars that have been cut, so there will be education gaps, skills gaps and now the potential risk of not having healthcare.”
In addition to Medicaid cuts, more doctors move to online visits. The older population may be shut out for lack of access to online portals, she said. The chamber is hoping to organize volunteers who can serve as navigators for those in need.
Flossmoor Mayor Michelle Nelson voiced concerns about federal funding freezes that could affect the village’s work on flooding relief. Durbin said he hoped for action on freezes when Congress acts on its appropriations bills.
Durbin lamented the Trump administration’s removal of credits for solar and wind power companies saying, “Those are two important growth areas of energy and we’re walking away from it for a generation.”
A new economic driver in the area is the Wind Creek Chicago Southland casino at I-80 and Halsted Street in Homewood/East Hazel Crest. The operators invested nearly half-billion-dollars, according to Cathye Amos of Wind Creek. The casino employs more than 1,000 people, most of whom live in the surrounding communities.
Local businessman Marcellus Marsh shared with Durbin how the area is moving away from the years of heavy industry to “smart manufacturing” and hopes grants for workforce retraining will continue.
Despite his own concerns and those voiced around the table about the numerous changes being made to the federal government structure, Durbin said he remains positive for the future.
“I haven’t given up on the system, although it’s frustrating sometimes. If you’re not an optimist, you should never run for office,” he said. Durbin reflected on the history of the country, and believes this period is tough but the country has a strong future ahead.
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July 12, 2025 at 08:40PM
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