With Illinois facing a $3.2 billion budget deficit, Senate Republicans are demanding greater transparency regarding taxpayer dollars spent on programs for non-citizens. 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 requiring detailed annual reports on non-citizen spending to ensure accountability and protect taxpayers.

Since taking office, Governor Pritzker has increased spending on programs for non-citizens—from a few million to over $1 billion annually—offering free healthcare, legal services, and housing to fulfill his goal of making Illinois “the most welcoming state in the nation.” Over the past 2 ½ years, he has issued 30 monthly emergency declarations, using executive authority to redirect taxpayer dollars without legislative oversight. This unchecked spending comes as families struggle with high taxes and rising living costs, while the administration continues to withhold basic cost details despite Senate Republican inquiries.

Senate Bill 1699 would require the Illinois Department of Human Services, in coordination with other relevant state agencies, to submit an annual report to the General Assembly on state spending for non-citizens. The report would include details on the total amount spent, specific appropriations, the number of families impacted, funding sources, and contracts awarded for services such as healthcare, housing, and legal support. The report would also be publicly available online for taxpayer transparency.

The bill also requires the Governor to include a detailed accounting of all proposed spending on non-citizen populations in future state budgets.

With the state budget process set to kick off following Gov. Pritzker’s annual address on Feb. 18, Senate Republicans are advocating for a clear understanding of spending for non-citizen programs and its impact on essential services for taxpaying Illinois residents.