DeWitte Fights for Taxpayer Transparency on Non-Citizen Spending
With Illinois facing a $3.2 billion budget deficit, this year I am a co-sponsor of legislation that demands greater transparency regarding taxpayer dollars spent on programs for illegal immigrants. Senate Bill 1699 would require detailed annual reports on migrant/illegal immigrant spending to ensure accountability and protect taxpayers.
Since taking office, Governor Pritzker has increased spending on programs for non-citizens—from a few million to over $1 billion annually—offering free healthcare, legal services, free drivers licenses, and housing to fulfill his goal of making Illinois “the most welcoming state in the nation.” Over the past 2 ½ years, he has issued 30 monthly emergency declarations, using executive authority to redirect taxpayer dollars without legislative oversight. This unchecked spending comes as families struggle with high taxes and rising living costs, while the administration continues to withhold basic cost details despite Senate Republican inquiries.
SB 1699 would specifically require the Illinois Department of Human Services, in coordination with other relevant state agencies, to submit an annual report to the General Assembly on state spending for non-citizens. The report would include details on the total amount spent, specific appropriations, the number of families impacted, funding sources, and contracts awarded for services such as healthcare, housing, and legal support. The report would also be publicly available online for taxpayer transparency. The bill also requires the Governor to include a detailed accounting of all proposed spending on non-citizen populations in future state budgets.
Valentines are Collected, Events are Organized!
I want to thank everyone who took time to participate in this year’s Valentines for Seniors card drive. It was another incredibly successful event with Kane and McHenry residents going above and beyond to help bring joy to local seniors. I made a few deliveries on Friday, and the rest of the cards will be delivered this week. As always, the smiles on the seniors’ faces when they see how much they are valued and remembered are priceless!
My staff and I have made good progress on our list of community outreach events for 2025. Mark your calendars now for these upcoming events, and visit SenatorDeWitte.com/events often to learn about other events as they are added to the schedule:
- Wednesday, February 19, ICASH Unclaimed Property Event: Dundee Township Park District Rakow Center (in the Senior Activities Center), 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM, 665 Barrington Avenue, Carpentersville
- Wednesday, March 26, ICASH Unclaimed Property Event: Senator DeWitte’s St. Charles Office, 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM, 406 Surrey Woods Drive, St. Charles
- Friday, May 16, Prescription Drug Drop-Off Event: South Elgin Police Department, 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM, 50 S. Water Street, Elgin
- Wednesday, June 4, Understanding Your Property Tax Bill and How to Appeal Your Assessment: Senator DeWitte’s St. Charles Office, 6:30 PM until 7:30 PM, 406 Surrey Woods Drive, St. Charles
Again, new events will be added in the coming weeks and months that include senior fairs and other outreach events. They will be promoted through this newsletter and added to the Events page of my website.
DeWitte, Wilcox, Syverson Welcome MCCOG to Springfield
Last Wednesday I got to spend some time with key government leaders when representatives from the McHenry County Council of Government (MCCOG) were in Springfield for their annual lobby day. We had a nice conversation about the group’s legislative priorities for 2025, not the least of which is the protection of Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDG) receipts that are received from the State and help them balance their local budgets. We’re shown here in a meeting with Senator Minority Leader John Curran.
Illinois Taxpayers: Don’t Miss Out on Key Tax Credits for 2024!
The Illinois Department of Revenue is reminding eligible taxpayers to claim available tax credits when filing their 2024 income tax returns to reduce their tax liability or increase refunds.
I would encourage all Illinoisans to take advantage of the available tax credits when filing their 2024 returns. With many families facing financial challenges, these credits provide important relief by reducing tax burdens or increasing refunds.
Key Tax Credits for 2024:
- Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Available for low-to-moderate-income working individuals. To qualify, taxpayers must file a return and meet income and age requirements.
- Illinois Child Tax Credit (CTC): A new credit for 2024, worth 20% of the Illinois EITC, for taxpayers who qualify for EITC and have a child under 12. The credit will increase to 40% in 2025.
- Volunteer Emergency Worker Credit (VEW): Available for qualified volunteer emergency workers with a certificate from MyTax Illinois.
- Education Expense Credit: Offers a 25% credit on qualifying educational expenses over $250 for parents or guardians of full-time K-12 students.
- Illinois Property Tax Credit: A 5% credit for property taxes paid on a principal residence.
For more details, click here or call 1-800-732-8866.
New Lawsuit Seeks to End Governor Pritzker’s Harmful Sanctuary Policies
Last Thursday, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against the State of Illinois, claiming its sanctuary laws, primarily the TRUST Act, impede with the Trump Administration’s efforts to deport illegal immigrants who have committed serious crimes in this country. Click here to read the law suit.
The DOJ’s lawsuit accuses Illinois leaders, including Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, of actively hindering federal immigration enforcement by limiting local law enforcement’s ability to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials.
Under the Trust Act, Illinois law enforcement is prohibited from:
- Transferring violent criminals to ICE except under very limited conditions
- Sharing critical information about violent criminals with ICE
- Participating in federal immigration enforcement, even when dealing with dangerous individuals
Governor Pritzker’s obstruction of justice has created legal obstacles that shield violent and other offenders from deportation, leaving Illinois communities vulnerable. This lawsuit seeks to hold the Governor accountable for these dangerous decisions and restore law enforcement’s ability to work with ICE to keep our communities safe.