Lake County Gazette

Jay Swidler, Chairman of Vernon Township Republicans, has expressed concerns regarding the financial priorities of Illinois Democrats. Swidler said that the Democrats should be held accountable for prioritizing billions in migrant spending over essential services for residents. His comments were made to the Lake County Gazette.

"Illinois Democrats must answer for spending billions of taxpayer dollars on migrant programs while residents in need are overlooked," said Swidler. "The state continues to neglect essential services that directly impact citizens. The recently passed $55.2 billion budget reflects a pattern of prioritizing political interests over fiscal responsibility. Without serious reforms, taxpayers will keep shouldering the burden of unsustainable decisions."

According to the Illinois Policy Institute, by the end of 2025, Illinois is projected to have spent over $2.5 billion on migrant care, which significantly exceeds initial projections and places a strain on taxpayers. Health care costs alone accounted for $1.6 billion through July 2024. The adult migrant program, initially expected to cost $126.4 million from 2021 to 2023, reached a total of $485.3 million. The senior program's expenses amounted to $412.3 million, nearly double the estimated figures. An additional $478 million has been allocated for migrant services since 2023. Due to budget pressures, the adult program is set to terminate in 2025 as critics question Governor J.B. Pritzker’s spending priorities.

The Illinois Policy Institute further reported that Illinois’ budget for 2026 stands at $55.2 billion, which is an increase of $2 billion compared to the previous year and includes over $800 million in added taxpayer costs. This budget was approved with limited review and relies on tax increases, fund sweeps, and delayed payments for balance. It underfunds pensions by $5 billion and eliminates the Property Tax Relief Grant, leading to a $43 million property tax hike while lawmakers included over $6,000 in pay raises. Since taking office in 2019, Governor Pritzker has increased the state budget by $16 billion and approved more than 50 tax hikes.

As reported by NBC News in February 2024, over 13,200 migrants were residing in 28 shelters run by Illinois according to a city census of new arrivals. Most migrants have arrived since June 2023 as part of a busing campaign from southern border cities. Over 100,000 migrants have been transported to so-called sanctuary cities since April 2022; approximately 35,000 of them have been sent to Chicago. Cities like Chicago, New York City, and Denver are facing challenges in meeting the demand for housing and social services due to this influx.

Swidler was first elected as Chairman of Vernon Township Republicans in Buffalo Grove in 2024. According to the organization’s website, he is "focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing the Party’s membership, and communicating the Party’s positions on issues that matter to Vernon Township voters."