Metro East Sun

State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) has expressed concerns over the increasing costs borne by Illinois taxpayers due to services provided to undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers. Schmidt highlighted that these costs have amounted to an estimated $2.84 billion since July 1, 2022, excluding education expenses and other state and local services. He emphasized the need for the state's resources to prioritize essential programs benefiting all citizens, particularly the elderly and economically vulnerable.

The expenditure breakdown for estimated Illinois taxpayer spending on non-citizens from Fiscal Year 2023 to Fiscal Year 2025 includes $800,000 in support services, with specific allocations for asylum seeker assistance, new state investments, and emergency funding requests. Healthcare costs for undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers over the same two-year period are staggering, totaling just over $2 billion.

Republican lawmakers have raised concerns about Illinois Democrats' priorities, particularly regarding the significant rise in healthcare costs for undocumented immigrants. Schmidt and his colleagues have questioned the fairness of taxpayers bearing the burden of healthcare costs for non-citizens while Illinois residents are required to pay insurance premiums and co-pays.

Schmidt has taken legislative action by co-sponsoring House Resolution 220, which aims to impose a moratorium on healthcare benefits for non-citizens, and House Bill 4187, seeking to repeal the Illinois Trust Act that designates the state as a Sanctuary State for immigrants and migrants. These efforts underscore Schmidt's dedication to fiscal responsibility and fair resource distribution to ensure the well-being of all Illinois residents.

Rep. Schmidt, who represents the 114th District, remains committed to serving the people and advocating for prudent resource allocation in the state. For more information on Rep. Schmidt and his initiatives in the district, interested individuals can visit RepSchmidt.com.