Some Illinois House and Senate Republicans frustrated about state resources going to migrants

Posted on January 16, 2024
Republicans at the statehouse are upset the migrant crisis has grown to where it is now. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – A New Year’s Eve airlift of more than 300 migrants, landing at the airport in Rockford, is cause for concern to four Republicans who represent that area.

State Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park) said decision-makers need to work something out to fix this. “Our job as elected officials is to protect those taxpayers that pay our salaries – that pay for everything under this dome,” Cabello said.

“We want to eliminate free health care for illegal immigrants,” said State Sen. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport). “The best health care in the state of Illinois that (Gov.) JB Pritzker delivers is for illegal immigrants.”

Chesney said all the state money devoted to this problem amounts to $32,000 per migrant.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…