Numbers tell a story, but rarely without help.
The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture data on error rates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program aren’t great for Illinois. In fiscal 2024, the rate was 11.6%, and in 2025, it was 14.7%. This is especially problematic, according to a Capitol News Illinois summary, because of federal penalties looming in October 2027 that could cost Illinois about $700 million if current trends continue.
There’s a lot to be said about that paragraph alone, but this also is relevant: the federal standard for an erroneous payment is anything too high or low by more than $57. Not to imply the USDA picked that number from thin air, but it could’ve set the number at $35. Or $89. Or $14 too low and $12 too high. Certainly, federal pencil pushers ran all sorts of data models to land at $57 – logically, the figure is the same nationwide – but ultimately, all the numbers stem from a policy decision, meaning the definition could change.
That’s not to excuse the problem. Illinois is in sixth place for worst error rates in 2025, trailing Alaska, Delaware, Georgia, New Mexico and the District of Columbia. In total, 20 states have error rates north of 10%, and all those staying that high will have to cover 15% of food assistance benefits starting in fiscal 2029. Only those with error rates lower than 6% will be exempt from the new requirement.
It’s also not fair to say Illinois is doing nothing. The budget for the state fiscal year starting Wednesday includes $55 million to hire 450 new Department of Human Services workers, a substantial investment in maintaining compliance as federal regulations evolve. And remember, the 14.7% figure is from a data period that ended months ago. The governor has insisted there’s improvement, but certainty must wait until next June.
There’s certainly work to be done; the sooner the better. Hopefully, state leaders will focus on administrative realities versus political gamesmanship.
WEEKEND READS: Last Saturday’s column looked at the last 15 years of expanding legalized gambling in Illinois. The state and local governments are raking in hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue each year, but just like money raised via legal sales of recreational drugs and alcohol, there is always a human cost.
Enter Capitol News Illinois and the Illinois Answers Project, which this week collaborated on an impressive, in-depth package on gambling addiction and how few public resources exist for people who end up as compulsive betters. Find the main piece at tinyurl.com/CNI-IAP-gambling and make sure to follow links to companion pieces about community support for recovering gamblers and a stunning collection of quotes from people trapped in the thralls of addiction.
• Scott T. Holland writes about state government issues for Shaw Local News Network. He can be reached at sholland@shawmedia.com.
Top Feeds,Politics
via Shaw Local https://ift.tt/NUHeYox
June 27, 2026 at 10:07AM
Illinois Delivered 