Taxpayer Dollars Wasted: New Audit Exposes Pritzker’s Major Failures in Undocumented Immigrant Healthcare
A new report from the Auditor General has revealed significant mismanagement in Governor JB Pritzker’s taxpayer-funded healthcare program for illegal immigrants, including thousands of potentially ineligible enrollees and costs far exceeding the Governor’s projections.
I am calling for stronger oversight and accountability to prevent further waste and protect taxpayers.
Auditors found more than 6,000 enrollees listed as “undocumented” who actually had Social Security Numbers, raising concerns about the state’s failure to properly verify eligibility. This lack of oversight undermines public trust and forces taxpayers to cover the costs of the Administration’s mismanagement.
The audit also uncovered massive cost overruns, with some age groups seeing expenditures nearly 300% higher than originally projected. The most extreme overrun occurred in the 42-54 age group, where costs nearly tripled the budgeted amount. These budget failures highlight a significant lapse in fiscal planning, burdening Illinois taxpayers with the excess.
Republicans have long criticized Governor Pritzker’s decision to prioritize spending on illegal immigrants while Illinois families face rising property taxes, grocery bills, and healthcare costs. This program, marked by waste and mismanagement, has fueled further distrust in how taxpayer dollars are spent.
The audit’s findings have prompted renewed calls for legislative action to bring much-needed transparency so taxpayers can see where their money is going. Senate Bill 1699 would require detailed annual reports on all taxpayer-funded programs for migrants, including healthcare, housing, legal aid, and other services. These reports would provide transparency on expenditures, appropriations, recipients, and contracts, and would be made publicly available online. My colleagues and I are committed to fighting for reforms that prioritize fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability to protect Illinois taxpayers.
Illinois Senators Demand Action: Property Tax Relief for Struggling Homeowners
During Governor Pritzker’s recent budget address, he proposed the largest budget in state history but failed to mention property tax relief, despite it being a top concern for Illinoisans. Senate Republicans continue their push for immediate property tax relief for Illinois homeowners, especially seniors and low-income families, who are struggling with rising property taxes.
Members of the Senate Republican caucus held a press conference on February 27th, highlighting some of their legislative proposals.
Senate Bill 2086, sponsored by State Senator Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon), raises income eligibility for the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption to $75,000 and ties future increases to inflation. Senate Bill 2093, also sponsored by Harriss, would make the Illinois Property Tax Credit refundable, providing more financial relief to lower-income homeowners.
Senator Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) introduced Senate Bill 2246, which limits how much the assessed value of a home can increases during reassessment years, capping it at the rate of inflation. These legislative efforts aim to protect vulnerable homeowners and help families stay in their homes. My colleagues and I are committed to providing real relief to Illinoisans.
IDNR Announces Grants to Strengthen Rural Fire Departments
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants from NOW to April 14. These grants help rural fire departments organize, train, and equip their teams to better combat fires, particularly in areas at risk of wildfires.
Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the VFA program provides matching funds, covering up to 50% of project costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $10,000. Fire departments must make initial payments before receiving reimbursement.
In 2024, the program awarded $212,811 to support 30 Illinois projects, funding equipment like radios, hoses, protective gear, and chainsaws. IDNR encourages all eligible fire departments to apply to strengthen their fire protection capabilities. Additional information about grant requirements and opportunities can be found on the IDNR grants website and the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance.