Rockford Sun

On May 29, 2024, the Illinois General Assembly approved a $53.1 billion budget, marking the largest spending plan in state history. Among its allocations, nearly $1 billion is designated for migrant, non-citizen, and refugee support—three times more than what is allocated for veterans.

Critics have voiced concerns about this allocation. "Rather than preventing these individuals from coming to our state, we are welcoming them in with open arms and the taxpayer is on the hook to pay for it," one critic stated.

The FY25 budget provides emergency funding to support the response co-designed with the City of Chicago and Cook County for asylum seekers arriving in Illinois. It also includes funds for healthcare services for non-citizens.

Specifically, the budget deposits $430 million from FY24 surplus revenues into the Healthcare Provider Relief Fund to finance programs such as HBIA/HBIS in FY25. Conversely, it removes a proposed $440 million GRF deposit into the same fund meant for health benefits for immigrant adults and seniors.

Additional allocations include:

- $139.4 million in GRF for Welcoming Centers, reflecting an increase of $84.4 million (153.5%) compared to FY24.

- A supplemental appropriation of $80 million in GRF to Welcoming Centers.

- $290.3 million in GRF to Home Illinois, representing an increase of $90 million (44.9%) compared to FY24.

- A new $1 million line item for the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

Children regardless of immigration status will also benefit from expanded services such as daycares and preschools. Major expansions include:

- $122 million in new GRF grants associated with SMART Start.

- $14 million in GRF to establish a new Department of Early Childhood.

- $2.29 billion in federal funding for the Child Care Assistance Program, marking a 4.6% increase compared to FY24.