(LibertySociety.com) – In the last 18 months, over 35,000 illegal migrants have arrived in Chicago. The state, along with Cook County, has spent millions of taxpayer dollars to feed, house, clothe, and provide healthcare to the migrants. A recent press release from Democratic Governor JB Pritzker and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle included plans to spend another $252 million.
Back in November, the state announced $160 million in funding to “welcome, shelter, and independence” the illegal migrants. Outside of those totals, the state has spent $478 million since it began responding to the continuous arrivals.
According to data recently released by the city, the number of migrants staying in shelters has dropped to just under 13,000 in the last few weeks. In January, nearly 15,000 were observed in the city’s shelters. Pritzker blasted the United States Congress for “continuing to refuse to act” to send aid to the state but made clear that local support would continue. He also thanked Preckwinkle for committing funds to make up for the gap in the state’s budget for the next year. Pritzker has budgeted $182 million for the migrant crisis for the 2025 fiscal year, while Cook County has pledged $70 million. Cook County’s 2024 fiscal year budget included $100 million, mostly for healthcare for the illegal migrants.
Cook County’s healthcare providers and its hospital system have provided services for most illegal migrants arriving in Chicago. From basic physical exams to mental healthcare, more than 25,000 illegal migrants have been seen on the taxpayers’ dime. According to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Pritzker was supposed to spend $65 million to winterize one of the city’s encampments, but he never followed through with the plan. Johnson said that providing temporary emergency shelter to individuals without housing was the sole responsibility of the city. To reach the $321 million needed to continue providing essential services for the illegal migrant crisis in the state, the city of Chicago would have to contribute $70 million of its yearly budget.
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