Kankakee Times

U.S. Representative Robin Kelly addressed issues of gun violence and social safety net funding in a series of posts on August 19 and 20, 2025. Kelly, who has consistently won her congressional elections by significant margins since 2014, used her platform to criticize current federal policies and advocate for legislative change.

On August 19, Kelly reflected on changes over the past three decades, stating: "Thirty years ago:

Microsoft invented Windows 95

“Friends” premiered

Michael Jordan said, “I’m back.”

A lot’s changed since then — but laws regulating gun dealers have stayed the same and our gun violence crisis has gotten worse. It’s time we update our gun laws."

Later that day, she commented on recent law enforcement strategies in Washington D.C., writing: "President Trump is turning DC into a war zone.

Crime in DC has been at an all-time low, but now, Trump has reversed gun violence prevention efforts and thrown more police in the mix.

It’s simple: more guns don’t stop gun violence." The post linked to further commentary on policing and public safety.

On August 20, Kelly criticized President Trump's fiscal policies regarding social programs: "President Trump's 'Big, Ugly Law' cut funding for SNAP and Medicaid to give tax breaks to billionaires.

This puts hundreds of thousands of our neighbors at risk of losing food assistance, worsening our state's food insecurity crisis."

Robin Kelly's repeated electoral victories—defeating Thomas Lynch in 2022 with over two-thirds of the vote; Theresa Raborn in 2020 with nearly four-fifths; David Merkle in 2018; John Morrow in 2016; and Eric Wallace in 2014—underscore her longstanding support within her district. These results highlight her established presence as a Democratic representative focused on issues such as gun regulation and social welfare programs.