State Representative Paul Jacobs (IL) | Representative Paul Jacobs (R) 118th District
State Representative Paul Jacobs (IL) | Representative Paul Jacobs (R) 118th District
Last week's report from the Illinois auditor general revealed $1.6 billion spent on noncitizen healthcare, surpassing state appropriations and estimates. The audit also indicated that some recipients were not eligible for the program. The report suggests significant issues in how the program was initiated, with state government issuing what amounted to a blank check funded by taxpayers.
The program's origins trace back to legislation championed by Delia Ramirez, a former state representative appointed by local Democratic leadership following her predecessor's resignation. In May 2020, Illinois became the first state to offer healthcare coverage to illegal immigrants. The initial proposal covered individuals aged 65 and older and was included near the end of a 465-page budget implementation bill passed late at night by the Illinois General Assembly.
For more details, refer to Mark Glennon's full background article on Wirepoints.
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