Carbondale Reporter

State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) has criticized Governor JB Pritzker’s decision to sign House Bill 460, a new law that extends financial aid eligibility to all Illinois residents, regardless of immigration status. The bill was signed into law on Friday.

“The Governor continues to foolishly put the needs of illegal immigrants over those of Illinois citizens, and it’s costing taxpayers big time,” Severin said. “The latest signature on legislation that guarantees illegal immigrant students access to financial aid means there will be less money for Illinois citizens. That is fundamentally wrong.”

Severin, who was elected as a Republican in 2023 to represent the state’s 116th House District after David Friess, is also a co-sponsor of HB 1317. This legislation seeks to repeal Illinois’ status as a Sanctuary State.

Severin argued that current state policies regarding undocumented immigrants have had significant financial consequences for taxpayers. “During Joe Biden’s open borders nightmare, JB Pritzker threw open the doors to Illinois for all illegal immigrants, gave them premium health insurance benefits, cash, and lodging,” Severin said. “The policies of this Governor and the Illinois Democrats in regard to illegal immigrants have cost taxpayers upwards of $3 billion. We must change course.”

For more information about Rep. Severin's background: https://www.ilga.gov/house/Rep.asp?GA=103&MemberID=3225