SE Illinois News

State Representative Patrick Windhorst has expressed concern over cost overruns in the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) and Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) programs. An Auditor General’s Report revealed that Illinois taxpayers are burdened with billions of dollars due to these healthcare programs for undocumented immigrants.

“The total cost for these programs since inception was just over $1.6 billion (for FY21-FY24). Fiscal Year 2025 has an estimated cost of $629 million, which was not included in the audit, bringing the total estimated cost of the programs to $2.2 billion,” Windhorst stated. He emphasized that Illinois cannot afford these Medicaid benefits and called for the elimination of both HBIA and HBIS.

Windhorst is co-sponsoring HB 1317 to end Illinois’ TRUST Act, which limits cooperation between state law enforcement and federal immigration officials. He is also supporting HB 1456 to stop taxpayer-funded health benefits for illegal immigrants.

“We live in a state where Sanctuary State policies have been a magnet for undocumented immigrants... Our citizens cannot afford to subsidize these failed and costly policies any longer,” Windhorst added.

In other news, House Republicans introduced measures aimed at alleviating financial strain on working families in Illinois. The legislative package includes proposals to encourage entrepreneurship, support tipped employees, and create technical skill-building opportunities leading to high-paying jobs.

“Our Relief for Working Families bill package was crafted in order to reduce the financial burdens placed on middle-class Illinoisans,” said Rep. Brad Stephens. The package includes Rep. Kyle Moore’s Reducing Barriers to Start Act (HB 1351), eliminating startup fees for new businesses.

Education-focused bills within the package include Rep. Mike Coffey’s Reinvest in Future Technical Careers Act (HB 1729), providing tax credits for contributions toward scholarships at technical academies; HB 1752 by Brad Stephens creating income tax deductions for employer-provided educational assistance; and HB 3807 by Kevin Schmidt establishing a grant program related to trades education.

“This package is called Relief for Working Families because that’s what it will provide,” remarked Rep. Moore.

House Republicans reiterated their opposition to tax increases on working families as fiscal year budget negotiations commence. Deputy Minority Leader Norine Hammond criticized Democratic spending practices, emphasizing Republican commitment against further tax hikes.

Additionally, Health Alliance announced plans to exit non-Medicare insurance markets by January 1, 2026, affecting approximately 280,000 individuals primarily in Central Illinois.

Lastly, former Governor Jim Edgar disclosed his pancreatic cancer diagnosis this week as many recall his tenure from 1991-1999 marked by economic reform and educational advancements during challenging times in Illinois history.