Kankakee Times

Robin Kelly, a U.S. Congress representative for Illinois’ 2nd district since 2013, shared several tweets concerning public health and social issues on May 1 and May 2, 2025. Having served in Congress since succeeding Jesse Jackson Jr. in 2013, Kelly has a notable track record, with earlier experience as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007.

On May 1, 2025, Kelly posted about a measles outbreak in the United States. According to her tweet, “Two cases of measles have been confirmed in Cook County. There’s a measles outbreak in the US, and anti-vaxxer RFK Jr. is in charge of our nation’s health. Under his watch, two children and an adult have died due to measles—all of whom were unvaccinated.”

In a subsequent post made on the same day, Kelly emphasized the importance of vaccinations, advising the public to equip themselves with essential health information. She stated, “Arm yourselves with facts & vaccinations: Two doses of the measles vaccination provides 97% protection. Children typically receive both doses before turning 6 years old. If you were vaccinated before 1968, check with your healthcare provider to see if you need to be [revaccinated].”

On May 2, 2025, Kelly expressed concern over budget cuts to community violence intervention programs. She criticized the reduction spearheaded by President Trump and highlighted the involvement of notable billionaire Elon Musk. Kelly remarked, “President Trump and DOGE cut millions of dollars for community violence intervention programs. This administration treats American lives callously at the direction of Elon Musk. @RepMaxwellFrost, @RepLucyMcBath, @RepShontelBrown, and I are demanding that he reinstate the funds.”

Robin Kelly, born in 1956 in New York City, New York, graduated from Bradley University in 1977 with a BA, and now resides in Matteson, Illinois.