Putting Families and Farmers First: Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson Fights Back Against Rising Costs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Putting Families and Farmers First: Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson Fights Back Against Rising Costs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01) took a stand for the kitchen tables of Chicago and the farm gates of Illinois by introducing the Farm and Family Relief Act.
Joined by his colleagues on the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman Jackson is introducing the first major piece of relief legislation for the 2026 session. This isn't just about policy; it’s about a direct response to the "Big Beautiful Bill" (H.R. 1), which has left many working families and farmers feeling ignored.
"When I talk to people in my district, the message is clear: the cost of living is moving faster than their paychecks," said Congressman Jackson. "Between trade wars that hurt our farmers and cuts to food assistance that hurt our seniors and children, families are being put in an impossible position. We are introducing this Act to bring some common sense—and some breathing room—back to our economy."
The numbers tell a story of a "squeeze" that Illinoisans feel every time they check their bank balance:
The "Inflation Tax": Over the last year, the average family had to find an extra $1,625 just to keep up with rising costs. That is money that should be going toward college savings, home repairs, or retirement.
The Grocery Gap: Hardworking Americans paid over $300 more for groceries this past year. With the price of fresh fruits and vegetables jumping by over 5%, healthy eating is becoming a luxury many can't afford.
A Crisis in the Heartland: Our farmers are the backbone of our food supply, yet they’ve faced over $50 billion in losses over the last three years. Current "bridge" programs are described by farm leaders as a drop in the bucket compared to the $28 billion hit taken this year alone due to tariffs.
Beyond the farm, the bill takes aim at protecting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Recent changes have threatened to shift massive costs onto state governments, which could lead to deep cuts in food budgets for those who need them most. Congressman Jackson’s bill calls for a timeout on these cost-shifts, ensuring that a bureaucratic "error rate" doesn't result in a child going hungry.
"This is about more than just numbers on a ledger," Jackson concluded. "It’s about making sure that if you work hard and play by the rules, you can afford to feed your family and keep your farm. We won't stop fighting until that's a reality for everyone in the 1st District."