Peoria Standard

Peoria, Illinois – Congressman Darin LaHood, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare, recently engaged in discussions with United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding the potential impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. LaHood highlighted the significance of this legislation for American workers.

LaHood expressed concerns about economic predictability, stating, "I think we predicate this bill on, how do we have predictability and certainty long-term in this economy." He warned that failure to pass the bill could result in $4.5 trillion in tax increases. "If you think there’s uncertainty in the economy now, wait until that happens," he added.

In addition to his work on economic issues, LaHood chaired a hearing focused on modernizing the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood. This initiative aims to assist foster youth as they transition into adulthood and join the workforce.

During the hearing, LaHood addressed barriers preventing effective use of program funds: "State underutilization of funds means that help is not getting to the youth who need it." He cited administrative challenges identified by the Government Accountability Office and noted that only a small percentage of foster youth in Illinois receive Chafee services.

The Chafee program has remained largely unchanged since its inception in 1999. It provides support for employment, housing, and building connections with adults to aid foster youth transitioning to independence. The recent hearing follows legislative efforts by the Ways and Means Committee resulting in reforms through the Supporting America’s Children and Families Act.