South West Illinois News

State Representative David Friess has expressed his concerns regarding Governor JB Pritzker's allocation of $638 million in taxpayer funds to address Chicago's migrant crisis. The governor's plan includes using $160 million to provide shelter and job assistance to thousands of migrants in Chicago, with the state already having spent $478 million on the ongoing crisis.

In response, Rep. Friess questioned the prioritization of spending such a large amount of taxpayer money without adequate legislative discussion. He stated, "While I understand the importance of addressing humanitarian issues, the prioritization of spending over half a billion dollars on the migrant crisis, without adequate legislative discussion, raises serious questions about fiscal responsibility and accountability to Illinois taxpayers."

Rep. Friess emphasized the need to address the needs of Illinois citizens first, stating, "Our state faces pressing challenges, and it's essential that we address the needs of our citizens first. Governor Pritzker's decision to divert funds away from essential services provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services to tackle the migrant crisis is a concerning misstep. We must ensure that our resources are used judiciously and in the best interest of the people of Illinois."

He also highlighted the importance of a comprehensive approach that considers the well-being of both migrants and Illinois residents. "We need a balanced and thoughtful strategy that prioritizes the needs of our citizens while addressing the challenges posed by the influx of migrants. I am committed to working towards solutions that uphold the values and responsibilities we owe to the people of Illinois."

Governor Pritzker's proposed plan allocates $30 million to streamline intake procedures, $65 million for additional shelter capacity in Chicago, and $65 million to expand case management to expedite migrant independence, including job assistance. However, Rep. Friess called for a more transparent and collaborative approach, urging for legislative involvement in critical decisions. He stated, "Illinois taxpayers deserve a voice in policies and funding related to migrant programs. It is imperative that we have a thorough and inclusive discussion in the legislature to ensure the best outcomes for both migrants and our citizens."

Representative David Friess remains committed to representing the interests of the people he serves and advocating for responsible fiscal policies that prioritize the well-being of Illinois residents.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://repfriess.com/2023/11/30/state-representative-david-friess-comments-on-governor-pritzkers-638-million-spending-on-chicagos-migrant-crisis/