The Illinois House of Representatives returns to business tomorrow, with four weeks to go before the legislature adjourns until the fall. I anticipate lawmakers voting on a state budget by the self-imposed May 19 adjournment.
Here is an update on recent events during the past week:
HONORING TWO LOCAL WOMEN AT THE CAPITOL
On Tuesday, I honored Lewis & Clark Community College Board of Trustees Chairperson Julie Johnson and Desirée Bennyhoff, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce at the Emerging Women Leaders brunch held at the State Capitol in Springfield. The event honored the contributions of emerging female leaders from throughout the state.
Julie Johnson and Desirée Bennyhoff are two local leaders making a positive impact in our communities. Julie is strengthening our community college system to better prepare students for today’s workforce, and Desirée is committed to helping our region’s economy grow and prosper. It brings me joy to witness their success as two emerging leaders in the Metro East.
Julie Johnson and Desirée Bennyhoff joined 50 female leaders from across the state who are each taking bold steps to make Illinois a better place to live and work. In addition to the recognition brunch, the group participated in a discussion about what issues are important for Illinois women, and how the General Assembly can create policy that reflects their priorities.
Learn more about the Emerging Women Leader’s event here.
MORATORIUM ON BILLIONS SPENT ON HEALTH BENEFITS FOR UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS
My House Republican colleagues and I are calling for a moratorium on expansion and a State audit of Illinois’ billion-dollar health benefits program for undocumented immigrants.
At a Capitol press conference Thursday, Deputy Republican Leaders Norine Hammond and Ryan Spain, along with Assistant Republican Leader C.D. Davidsmeyer and myself, highlighted a bombshell State report detailing the massive cost and enrollment expansions of Illinois’ health benefits program for undocumented immigrants.
Hammond, who serves as chief budgeteer for the House Republican Caucus, laid out in detail the dramatic growth in undocumented immigrant participation, which will require nearly a billion dollars in general revenue funds to support the program in Fiscal Year 2024.
“In FY24, Illinois’ program of health benefits for undocumented immigrants is estimated to cost $990 million, which is a $768 million increase (346%) over FY23,” Rep. Hammond said. “Undocumented immigrants are ineligible for any federal Medicaid match, resulting in State GRF being used to pay for the entirety of services provided. These ballooning enrollments and costs are unsustainable and could lead to the loss of funding and services for Illinois’ most vulnerable citizens.”
Several important State programs are still drastically underfunded and could greatly benefit from the $990 million in GRF that would go to HFS to continue to provide medical services to undocumented immigrants.
Learn more here.
#ENDALZ
Last week, advocates affected by dementia across my district and Illinois have joined the Alzheimer’s Association’s Week of Action to make their voices heard. I am proud to be a leader in the fight to #ENDALZ as we work together to make our state dementia capable. #AlzILAdvocacy
National Work Zone Awareness Week
In 2020, 857 people were killed and more than 44,000 were injured in work zone crashes. You can stay safe while traveling through work zones by following a few tips:
- Research your route to prepare for work zones
- Stay focused and avoid distractions whenever you are driving but especially in work zones
- SLOW DOWN
- Give road workers plenty of room and be prepared to stop when entering a work zone
- Keep your distance from other vehicles to avoid rear-end crashes
#NWZAW #WorkZoneAwareness
HOUSE BACK IN SESSION
The Illinois House of Representatives is back in session on Tuesday, April 25. You may listen or watch live at Noon here.
NEED ASSISTANCE WITH STATE GOVERNMENT?
If you have an issue or need help navigating state government. My office is here to help you. If my office may be of assistance please contact my district office in Alton at 618-433-8046.