As Illinois grapples with a $3.2 billion budget deficit, Senate Republicans are intensifying their calls for transparency regarding taxpayer funds allocated to non-citizen programs. At a press conference on February 5, Senators Jil Tracy (R-Quincy), Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley), and Li Arellano, Jr. (R-Dixon) announced the reintroduction of legislation aimed at requiring detailed annual reports on non-citizen spending.
“Investing over $1 billion each year in non-citizen programs—just the amount we can track—is irresponsible and unsustainable, especially as families struggle to make ends meet,” Syverson stated. “We cannot continue to expect more sacrifices from residents for initiatives that do not prioritize them. Illinois families deserve better.”
Governor JB Pritzker, since taking office, has increased funding for non-citizen initiatives, including free healthcare, legal services, and housing, promising to make Illinois “the most welcoming state in the nation.” This influx of spending coincides with rising taxes and living costs that burden local families.
Over the past two and a half years, Pritzker has issued 30 monthly emergency declarations, using executive powers to redirect taxpayer funds with minimal oversight. This approach has enabled him to sidestep the legislative process, raising concerns among Senate Republicans who have sought clarity on the overall costs.
“Transparency is essential for restoring accountability and prioritizing the needs of Illinois families,” Arellano remarked. “It’s time for Pritzker to stop using emergency powers as a shield and provide taxpayers with the information they deserve.”
Senate Bill 1699 mandates the Illinois Department of Human Services, in collaboration with relevant state agencies, to deliver an annual report to the General Assembly detailing all state expenditures on services for non-citizens. This report will also be accessible online to ensure full transparency for taxpayers.
The report will outline services provided by various state entities, including the State Board of Education, Department of Human Services, and others. Key information required will include:
Total spending on non-citizen and asylum-seeking populations from the previous fiscal year.
Specific appropriations authorizing these expenditures.
Transfers among line-item appropriations related to non-citizen populations.
The total number of families or individuals benefiting from each service.
Funding sources for these services.
Details on contracts awarded for various categories, including emergency shelter, health screenings, legal aid, and job readiness.
Additionally, the legislation stipulates that future state budgets must include a detailed accounting of proposed expenditures for non-citizen populations, enhancing transparency for Illinois residents.
With the budget process set to commence following the Governor’s address on February 18, legislators emphasized the urgency of understanding the financial implications of migrant-related spending on essential services.
“This legislation will put an end to Governor Pritzker’s ability to obscure the true costs of his non-citizen welfare programs through emergency declarations,” Tracy asserted. “Taxpayers deserve clarity on how their money is being spent, and Senate Bill 1699 will provide that transparency while rebuilding trust in the budgeting process.”
Through Senate Bill 1699, Senate Republicans aim to enhance transparency and ensure that Illinois taxpayers are well-informed about the allocation of their funds.
The press conference discussing the legislation can be viewed at this link: https://youtu.be/Gb9tklDErQQ
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