Sangamon Sun

Republican senators in Illinois are pushing for more transparency in the spending of taxpayer dollars on non-citizen programs. Senate Republican Whip Jil Tracy, along with Senators Dave Syverson and Li Arellano Jr., have reintroduced legislation that demands detailed annual reports on such spending. The proposed Senate Bill 1699 requires the Illinois Department of Human Services and other state agencies to provide a report to the General Assembly detailing expenditures, funding sources, and contracts related to services for non-citizens.

Governor Pritzker has significantly increased spending on these programs since taking office, aiming to make Illinois "the most welcoming state in the nation." However, Republicans argue that this has been done without proper legislative oversight as he issued numerous emergency declarations redirecting funds.

State Senator Sally Turner emphasized the importance of understanding the financial impact of these programs on essential services for taxpayers. The bill also calls for future state budgets to include a comprehensive account of proposed spending on non-citizen populations.

Separately, State Senator Sally Turner is urging Governor Pritzker to support repealing the Trust Act following a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice against Chicago, Illinois, and Cook County over sanctuary policies. The DOJ accuses these jurisdictions of obstructing federal immigration enforcement efforts.

The Trust Act restricts local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE under certain conditions. Critics argue it protects violent criminals from deportation, posing risks to public safety. Turner insists that repealing the act would enable better cooperation between local and federal authorities.

On another note, eligible taxpayers in Illinois are reminded by State Senator Sally Turner and the Illinois Department of Revenue to claim available tax credits when filing their 2024 income tax returns. These credits can reduce tax liabilities or increase refunds for many families facing financial challenges.

Key credits include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), Volunteer Emergency Worker Credit (VEW), Education Expense Credit, and Property Tax Credit. More information is available through official channels.

In weather news, The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a dry spring season with normal temperatures across Illinois in 2025. Known for its historical accuracy rate of 80%, the Almanac provides early forecasts based on solar patterns and historical data.