PEORIA, IL — Speak Out Illinois LLC is proud to release the findings of our 2025 Citizen Feedback Survey, which engaged over 50 residents across the state in sharing their concerns and policy priorities. The results offer a candid and sometimes sobering look into the issues Illinoisans care most deeply about — with healthcare access, the cost of living, and homelessness ranking among the top concerns.
Key Takeaways:
- Healthcare Services and Mental Health:A resounding 78.72% of respondents believe Illinois should expand mental health services, and 63.04% say increasing access to mental health care should be a top healthcare priority. However, only 23.40% rate healthcare access in their area as “Excellent,” while over 14% rate it as “Poor” or “Very Poor”.
- Healthcare Cost Tops Concerns:When asked about their biggest concern in healthcare, 63.83% cited cost — far outpacing concerns around accessibility or quality.
- State Response to Homelessness Lacking:Nearly two-thirds of survey participants (65.96%) said the state is not doing enough to address homelessness — a clear call for stronger and more responsive policy solutions.
- Funding Priorities:Education (69.23%) and healthcare (63.46%) were identified as the areas most in need of state investment. Public safety (50%) and infrastructure (38.46%) followed closely behind.
- Economic Pressures:The rising cost of living was the top concern for 65.31% of respondents, dwarfing other concerns such as unemployment or wage stagnation.
- Environmental Policy Divided:Opinions on HB1146 — a proposed ban on single-use plastic and paper bags — were mixed: while 40.82% supported or strongly supported the measure, 26.53% remained neutral, and over a quarter opposed or strongly opposed the bill.
“Illinoisans are clear: they want more action on mental health, stronger responses to homelessness, and real solutions to the rising cost of living,” said Jacob Partee, Founder and CEO of Speak Out Illinois LLC. “These results aren’t just data points — they are a mandate for change, for fairness, and for compassion.”
Speak Out Illinois LLC remains committed to uplifting community voices, ensuring every resident has a seat at the table, and driving forward policy that reflects the realities and needs of everyday people across the state.
