State Senator Cristina Castro is championing legislation to protect state-administered federal programs from future federal interference amid moves from the federal government to dismantle agencies and lay off qualified civil servants who oversee programs like Medicaid, SNAP and disaster aid, affecting millions of Americans each day. Federal merit systems — standards that states must adhere to for employees who administer specific grant programs — have been in place since the passage of the Civil Service Act in 1883. These standards are meant to ensure the individuals responsible for federal dollars are highly qualified, treated fairly, safeguarded from discrimination, compensated adequately and protected from partisan coercion. Programs currently covered by federal merit requirements include Medicaid, aging services, unemployment insurance, SNAP, foster care and adoption assistance, and several grant programs serving people with disabilities and families with dependent children. Under Castro’s measure, the current personnel merit requirements would be codified in state law, ensuring that if the federal government weakens or eliminates its requirements, key programs like unemployment insurance, SNAP and Medicaid will continue to be administered in Illinois by qualified, capable public employees. House Bill 1586 passed the Senate Thursday with bipartisan support.