Quincy Reporter

A recent audit by the Auditor General has uncovered significant issues in Governor JB Pritzker's healthcare program for undocumented immigrants. The report highlights mismanagement, with thousands of potentially ineligible enrollees and costs surpassing initial projections. State Senator Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) is advocating for enhanced oversight to safeguard taxpayer money.

The audit identified over 6,000 enrollees marked as "undocumented" who possessed Social Security Numbers, indicating a failure in verifying eligibility. This oversight erodes public trust and places a financial burden on taxpayers due to administrative mismanagement.

Additionally, the audit revealed substantial cost overruns, with expenditures for certain age groups nearly tripling initial estimates. The most notable increase was seen in the 42-54 age group. These fiscal planning lapses have increased the financial strain on Illinois taxpayers.

Republicans have consistently criticized Governor Pritzker's focus on spending for undocumented immigrants amid rising living costs for Illinois families. The findings from this audit have intensified calls for legislative measures to enhance transparency in taxpayer-funded programs.

Senate Bill 1699 aims to mandate annual reports detailing expenditures on migrant-related services such as healthcare and housing. These reports would be publicly accessible online, promoting transparency regarding state spending.

In addition to addressing these concerns, Senators Tracy, Erica Harriss (Glen Carbon), and Chapin Rose (Mahomet) are pushing for property tax relief following Governor Pritzker's record $55.4 billion budget proposal that omitted mention of property taxes.

During a press conference on February 27, the senators discussed legislative proposals like Senate Bill 2086, which raises income eligibility for senior citizens' tax exemptions; Senate Bill 2093, making property tax credits refundable; and Senate Bill 2246, capping home value assessments at inflation rates during reassessment years.

Efforts are also underway to restore the New Salem State Historic Site through bipartisan legislation. Proposed bills include establishing a preservation commission (Senate Bill 1417), allocating $5 million for restoration (Senate Bill 1496), and exempting related purchases from procurement regulations (Senate Bill 1861).

Furthermore, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications until April 14 for Volunteer Fire Assistance grants aimed at bolstering rural fire departments' capabilities against wildfires. These grants provide matching funds up to $10,000 per project and require initial payment before reimbursement.

In 2024, $212,811 was awarded across Illinois projects supporting equipment acquisition like radios and protective gear. Eligible departments are encouraged to apply via IDNR’s website or the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance.