Carbondale Reporter

State Representative Dave Severin has voiced his opposition to a $53.1 billion spending plan, which was passed exclusively by Democratic lawmakers. Severin criticized the budget for its tax increases and allocations towards services for undocumented immigrants.

"The budget passed by Illinois Democrats is the largest spending plan in state history," Severin stated. "This comes at a time when working individuals and families face the highest inflation in a generation and the highest food costs in history."

Severin expressed particular concern over provisions in the FY 2025 budget that allocate funds for healthcare benefits for undocumented immigrants. "The FY 2025 budget provides premium healthcare benefits for undocumented immigrants. Illinois will have spent more than $2 billion in taxpayer funds on healthcare benefits for undocumented immigrant adults."

Severin emphasized his preference for a balanced budget without tax hikes or what he termed as "gimmicks." He accused Democrats of excluding Republicans from the budgeting process and criticized their approach. "Democrats cut Republicans completely out of the process, waited until the dark of night, raised your taxes, prioritized spending on illegal immigrants, and then did a victory lap by giving themselves a pay raise. I voted NO."

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