Carbondale Reporter

Illinois is grappling with a significant budget deficit of $3.2 billion, prompting Senate Republicans to call for increased transparency in taxpayer spending on programs for non-citizens. Senate Republican Whip Jil Tracy, along with Senators Dave Syverson and Li Arellano, Jr., have reintroduced legislation aimed at providing detailed annual reports on such expenditures.

Governor Pritzker has expanded funding for non-citizen programs significantly since taking office, now exceeding $1 billion annually. This includes free healthcare, legal services, and housing as part of his vision to make Illinois "the most welcoming state in the nation." Over the past two and a half years, he has issued 30 monthly emergency declarations allowing him to redirect funds without legislative approval. This spending occurs amid rising living costs and high taxes affecting families across the state.

Senate Bill 1699 proposes that the Illinois Department of Human Services work with other agencies to produce an annual report detailing state spending on non-citizens. The report would include information on total expenditures, specific appropriations, affected families, funding sources, and service contracts. It would also be made available online for public access.

The bill further requires the Governor to provide detailed accounts of proposed non-citizen spending in future budgets. As Governor Pritzker prepares for his annual address on February 18th, State Senator Terri Bryant emphasizes the need for clarity regarding these expenses and their impact on essential services for taxpayers.

In another development related to immigration policies, a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice targets Chicago, Illinois State, and Cook County over sanctuary laws. The DOJ claims these jurisdictions impede federal immigration enforcement by restricting local law enforcement's cooperation with ICE.

State Senator Terri Bryant criticizes Governor Pritzker's sanctuary policies as endangering public safety by prioritizing political agendas over law enforcement cooperation with federal authorities. She urges support for repealing the Trust Act to enable local law enforcement collaboration with ICE.

Additionally, as tax season approaches, the Illinois Department of Revenue reminds eligible taxpayers about key tax credits available when filing their 2024 returns. These credits aim to reduce tax burdens or increase refunds amidst financial challenges faced by many families.

Key tax credits include:

- Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low-to-moderate-income workers.

- A new Child Tax Credit worth 20% of EITC for those qualifying with children under 12.

- Volunteer Emergency Worker Credit (VEW) requiring certification from MyTax Illinois.

- Education Expense Credit offering a 25% credit on qualifying educational expenses over $250.

- Property Tax Credit providing a 5% credit on property taxes paid on principal residences.

Finally, The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a dry spring season in Illinois with normal temperatures expected statewide. Known for its weather forecasts based on solar patterns and historical data analysis since its founding in 1792, it offers an early glimpse into upcoming seasonal conditions across different regions of Illinois.