Prairie State Wire

Wirepoints President Ted Dabrowski points to the way Democrats in Springfield crafted their new state budget as Exhibit A for why the state remains mired in the dire financial straits it's long found itself in.

“I think it’s fascinating that Illinois would be expanding services to non-citizens when the state already can’t pay its bills or balance its budget and is asking for billions from the federal government to piece things together,” Dabrowski told the Prairie State Wire. “We’re failing to take care of the citizens we have. It’s totally irresponsible to even be talking about taking on more.”

A provision in the state’s newly passed budget implementation bill stands to make Illinois the first state in the country to provide Medicaid to undocumented immigrants. Specifically, the bill would grant such benefits to non-citizens over 65 years old with incomes of $12,670 or less.

“Being empathetic and wanting to help is understandable, but it makes no sense to make promises when you can’t keep them,” Dabrowski added. "Illinois simply can’t afford any of that. We’re already doing a poor job with Medicaid and this will only make it worse by having to spread resources even further.”

Through it all, Dabrowki said lawmakers refuse to talk or even consider reforms that are clearly needed.

“Springfield refuses to reform anything, which is a pathetic way to run a government,” he said. “Right now, in the middle of this crisis, Gov. (J.B.) Pritzker and (Chicago) Mayor (Lori) Lightfoot should be working to bring down the cost of government to make it easier on residents. Not only haven’t they cut spending, but they’re actually raising spending and looking to add to the deficit.”