Rockford Sun

State Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) criticized Gov. JB Pritzker for requesting an additional $1.1 billion in taxes from Illinois residents to address a fiscal crisis that he believes the Governor created. Syverson highlighted that this tax increase aligns with the costs associated with supporting noncitizens invited to Illinois by Pritzker.

During Pritzker's State of the State/Budget Address on February 21, Sen. Syverson expressed his concerns, stating, "The Governor has proposed a record-breaking $53 billion budget that requires another $1.1 billion in new taxes, which is not so coincidentally the amount of costs associated with the huge influx of noncitizens to Illinois. The Governor continues to focus on free healthcare, housing, and social services for noncitizens. That is wrong. Our priority should be Illinois families."

Syverson further criticized the growth of programs for noncitizens, calling them unsustainable. He pointed out the impact of the state's open-door sanctuary policy on spending, which he believes has led to the current call for tax increases. "The Governor is asking for more than $1 billion in tax increases, which is the approximate cost for just the healthcare programs for noncitizens," Syverson remarked.

The senator highlighted that in addition to healthcare, Illinois is also covering various other costs for noncitizens, such as children's healthcare, housing, cash assistance, daycare, education, and social service programs, amounting to over $1 billion in additional expenses.

As Illinois embarks on the legislative budget process for Fiscal Year 2025, Sen. Syverson expressed his willingness to collaborate with lawmakers from both parties to make the necessary tough decisions for passing a balanced budget with structural reforms aimed at boosting the economy and job growth.