WINDHORST: HBIA and HBIS Program Cost Overruns are Unacceptable, Sponsors Legislation to End Sanctuary State Policies and Taxpayer Funded Healthcare Programs for Undocumented Immigrants
METROPOLIS – State Representative Patrick Windhorst says an Auditor General’s Report released last week shows massive cost estimate irregularities in the controversial Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) and Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) programs. Windhorst says the Auditor General’s audit of the program showed Illinois taxpayers were on the hook for billions of dollars just for the health care programs for undocumented immigrants.
“The total cost for these programs since inception was just over $1.6 billion (for FY21-FY24). Fiscal Year 2025 has an estimated cost of $629 million, which was not included in the audit, bringing the total estimated cost of the programs to $2.2 billion,” Windhorst said. “While I am encouraged that Governor Pritzker has proposed ending the HBIA program for immigrant adults aged 42 to 64, it is clear that the state of Illinois cannot afford to provide these Medicaid benefits. HBIA and HBIS should both be eliminated immediately.”
Windhorst is a co-sponsor of HB 1317, legislation that would end Illinois’ TRUST Act, which creates the Sanctuary State policies that prevent law enforcement officials from cooperating with Federal immigration officials. Windhorst is also a co-sponsor of HB 1456, which would end taxpayer-funded health benefits for illegal immigrants.
“We live in a state where Sanctuary State policies have been a magnet for undocumented immigrants to come here in large numbers, and by doubling down on those policies, Democrats have caused our taxpayers to suffer massive costs,” Windhorst said. “The time is now to end Sanctuary State policies, repeal the TRUST Act, and restore financial sanity in our state budget. Our citizens cannot afford to subsidize these failed and costly policies any longer.”
Today is National Anthem Day!
On National Anthem Day, we honor the history of the Star-Spangled Banner. Written during the War of 1812, our anthem has become a symbol of resilience, unity, and freedom. Today, let us all reflect on the history and meaning of our National Anthem.
Learn more about the origins of our National Anthem in the latest edition of The Caucus Blog at the following link: https://www.thecaucusblog.com/2025/03/the-historical-roots-of-our-national.html
HOUSE REPUBLICAN WEEK IN REVIEW
RELIEF FOR WORKING FAMILIES
House Republicans introduce measures to alleviate financial strain on working families. Illinois working families face an unprecedented number of financial hurdles that a group of House Republican legislators want to help them overcome. The lawmakers unveiled a package of bills aimed at providing much needed financial relief for Illinois’ working families.
The Relief for Working Families legislative package contains proposals which encourage entrepreneurship, help tipped employees keep all of their gratuities, and create opportunities for technical skill-building that can lead to high-paying jobs.
“Our Relief for Working Families bill package was crafted in order to reduce the financial burdens placed on middle-class Illinoisans who have had to put up with years of economic uncertainty, incessant tax increases, and overspending,” said Rep. Brad Stephens. “With this bill package, we can provide tangible financial relief for hardworking, taxpaying Illinoisans and begin to reshape our state into a destination not only for families, but for students, small businesses, and licensed professionals.”
Included in the package is Rep. Kyle Moore’s Reducing Barriers to Start Act (HB 1351) which will eliminate many of the startup fees that new businesses face in Illinois, including all first-year business fees relating to licensing or registration. According to the U.S Treasury, small businesses created over 70 percent of net new jobs since 2019 so removing the barriers to entrepreneurship means businesses can get up-and-running more quickly and start creating new jobs.
Education is also a key component of the legislative package. Not only do these bills expand training and employment opportunities for working families, they also address the workforce shortage facing the trades and manufacturing sectors of the economy.
Rep. Mike Coffey’s legislation creates the Reinvest in Future Technical Careers Act (HB 1729) which provides tax credits for those who make authorized contributions to funds that award scholarships to students who attend technical academies. HB 1729 would provide opportunities for those who are not otherwise able to afford the training.
“Contractors in Illinois are challenged by not having enough qualified specialized trade workers to meet demand,” explained Coffey. “This bill would help fill the gaps between the state-mandated labor requirements and workforce availability.”
Other proposals that provide educational assistance include HB 1752 sponsored by House Assistant Republican Leader Brad Stephens, which creates an income tax deduction for employers who provide educational assistance for employees. Rep. Kevin Schmidt’s HB 3807 establishes the Illinois Trades Retention and Development Encouragement (ITRADE) grant program to help students gain a degree or certification in the fields related to the trades like electrical, plumbing, masonry, steel working and construction. House Deputy Republican Leader Ryan Spain is also focused on making education more affordable for working families. His HB 3821 doubles the current education expense income tax credit from $750 to $1500 a year.
Many manufacturing companies in Illinois have expressed concern over the shortage of a trained workforce to fill their needs. One of the obstacles has been a need for licensed educators. Rep. Jed Davis HB 1112 opens the door for highly skilled trade workers to become educators, even without a bachelor’s degree, ensuring more experts teaching real-world skills and more opportunities for students to complete their education in manufacturing, engineering, technology or a trade.
Finally, HB 1383 sponsored by Deputy Leader Spain, creates an income tax deduction on Illinois tax returns for gratuities which were included in the tipped-workers federal tax returns. The legislation would help those who rely on gratuities to keep more of their earnings instead of turning them over to the government.
The financial wellbeing of Illinois’ working families is a top priority for House Republicans who will be championing this package of bills throughout the legislative session.
“This package is called Relief for Working families because that’s what it will provide,” said Rep. Moore. “From furthering your education to starting a new business or simply keeping more of your hard-earned money in your own pocket. Working families need and deserve a break.”
House Republicans oppose any attempt to raise taxes on working families and seniors. As legislative hearings and negotiations begin on the Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget, House Republicans have reiterated our opposition to any attempt to raise taxes on working families and seniors. Multiple tax hike proposals have been floated by Illinois Democrats this year, including another progressive income tax increase.
Deputy Minority Leader Norine Hammond, who serves as the chief budgeteer for the House Republicans, criticized Illinois Democrats’ compulsion for excessive spending during session this week. Since 2019, Governor JB Pritzker and the Democratic supermajority have increased spending by more than $15 billion. As budget negotiations get underway, House Republicans will stand with hardworking families against any attempt to increase taxes.
HEALTH CARE
Health Alliance to exit insurance market at the end of 2025. Health Alliance, a provider of health insurance coverage to approximately 280,000 Illinoisans – mostly in Central Illinois – announced plans this week to wind down its coverage for working-age patients and their families and to withdraw from non-Medicare markets on January 1, 2026.
Health Alliance has approximately 600 employees in Illinois, mostly located in and around its Champaign-Urbana headquarters. The health care announcement was made on Wednesday, February 26.
GOVERNOR JIM EDGAR
Many Illinoisans share good wishes for Governor Edgar. Governor Jim Edgar and his wife Brenda shared the news this week that the 38th Governor of Illinois has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Many Illinoisans recalled Edgar’s successful leadership of Illinois during two terms as Governor from 1991-1999. During this time of economic challenge and prosperity for Illinois, Governor Edgar’s leadership put our State’s budget in order; enacted major school reforms, supplemented by the creation of a network of charter schools; stood tall against crime through the enactment of new laws such as the Sex Offender Registration Act; and led Illinoisans as they fought the Great Flood of 1993 on the Mississippi River.
Governor Edgar indicated that he has started a course of treatment for his serious illness and appreciates the good wishes he is getting from many Illinoisans.