West Central Reporter

Illinois Representative Norine Hammond, the Deputy Republican Leader, has criticized Governor JB Pritzker's plan to allocate $160 million in taxpayer funds to address the migrant crisis in Chicago. According to Hammond, this plan would divert funds from essential services provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) and prioritize the needs of migrants over those of Illinois citizens.

Hammond highlighted the significant financial burden that the migrant crisis has placed on Chicago and the state of Illinois. She stated, "Nearly 25,000 migrants have been transported to Chicago from border states, costing Illinois taxpayers almost $500 million and counting." She expressed concern that Governor Pritzker's plan to allocate an additional $160 million from the DHS budget would further strain resources that are meant to serve the developmentally disabled, senior citizens, and children in need.

As the chief budget negotiator for the Illinois House Republican Caucus, Representative Hammond has been a vocal critic of the Pritzker Administration's policies on providing free healthcare benefits for undocumented immigrants. She argued that the cost of nearly $2 billion to Illinois taxpayers is unsustainable, especially when healthcare costs for American citizens are already rising. Hammond called for a moratorium on enrollment and expansion of the program, emphasizing the need to address the flow of undocumented immigrants into Illinois.

"We must do more to stop the flow of undocumented immigrants into Illinois," Hammond asserted. "The federal government needs to take action to secure our borders and make it clear to our neighbors to the south that the U.S. border is closed!"

Hammond's criticism stems from her belief that the government's primary responsibility is to serve the citizens of Illinois. She urged Governor Pritzker and his Democratic colleagues to reconsider their priorities and ensure that essential services for their constituents are not compromised.

In response to the criticisms, Governor Pritzker's office has yet to issue a statement. The proposed plan to allocate $160 million to address the migrant crisis in Chicago remains a topic of debate among lawmakers.

Click this link to access more information: https://norinehammond.org/2023/11/17/rep-hammond-criticizes-gov-pritzkers-638-million-plan-to-address-migrant-crisis-in-chicago/