Quincy Reporter

Illinois is facing a $3.2 billion budget deficit, prompting Senate Republicans to call for transparency regarding taxpayer money spent on programs for non-citizens. At a press conference on February 5, Illinois Senate Republican Whip Jil Tracy (R-Quincy), Senator Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley), and Senator Li Arellano, Jr. (R-Dixon) announced the reintroduction of legislation that mandates detailed annual reports on such spending.

Senator Syverson expressed concerns over the allocation of more than $1 billion annually to non-citizen programs, stating, “Pouring over $1 billion annually into programs for non-citizens—and that’s just the spending we can track—is reckless and unsustainable, especially when families are struggling to pay their bills.” He emphasized that Illinois families should not be asked to sacrifice more for these programs.

Governor JB Pritzker has expanded funding for non-citizen initiatives since taking office, including free healthcare and legal services. This comes as residents face high taxes and rising living costs. Over the past two and a half years, Pritzker has issued 30 monthly emergency declarations allowing him to redirect funds without legislative oversight. Despite inquiries from Senate Republicans, details about total costs remain undisclosed.

Senator Arellano highlighted the need for transparency: “Transparency is the first step in restoring accountability and putting the needs of Illinois families back at the forefront.” Senate Bill 1699 would require an annual report from the Illinois Department of Human Services detailing state spending on services for non-citizens. The report would be publicly available online.

The proposed report would cover expenditures by various state entities such as the State Board of Education and Department of Public Health. It would include information on total amounts spent on non-citizen populations, specific appropriations authorizing spending, transfers among line-item appropriations, impacted individuals or families, funding sources, and contracts awarded for related services.

The legislation also requires future state budgets to include detailed accounts of proposed spending on non-citizen populations. With Governor Pritzker's annual address scheduled for February 18, legislators argue it is crucial to understand migrant-related spending's impact on essential services.

“This legislation will put an end to Governor Pritzker’s ability to hide the true cost of his non-citizen welfare programs behind emergency declarations,” said Tracy. She stressed that taxpayers deserve clarity about how their money is being used.

Senate Bill 1699 aims to restore public trust by ensuring transparency in state spending decisions affecting taxpayers.