I am writing to you today as your constituent to respectfully urge you to help protect funding for the RESCUE Illinois Schools Program. The current proposed state budget allocates no funding for this vital program, which has been active in Illinois in 2023, which is deeply concerning. We are asking that this program be sustained with an appropriation of $2.76 million, in line with what it previously received.

Established in 2023 through a partnership between the Respiratory Health Association and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America – St. Louis Chapter, the RESCUE Illinois Schools Program (Resources for Every School Confronting Unexpected Emergencies) ensures that schools are equipped with lifesaving asthma medication at no cost and that staff are properly trained to respond to emergencies. Since its establishment, the program has served over 5,000 school children experiencing asthma emergencies. 80% of those students were able to return to class and avoid a hospital visit. In addition to protecting student health, the program has generated an estimated $6.48 million in Medicaid savings for the state. The goal is to keep students healthy, in school, and out of the emergency room.

While 17 states have laws allowing schools to provide undesignated asthma medications during emergencies, Illinois is leading the nation in the success of this effort. Eliminating funding would reverse meaningful progress and put vulnerable children at risk.

I respectfully ask that you support our children and our schools by working to reestablish funding for the RESCUE Illinois Schools Program in the state budget with a pledge to fund it fully at $2.76M. The health and safety of Illinois students depend on it.

Thank you for your time and consideration.