McLean County Times

State Representative Dennis Tipsword has expressed his dismay following the release of an audit report by the Illinois Auditor General’s Office. The report examined the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors and Adults programs, highlighting significant overspending and numerous improper enrollments.

House Republicans had previously cautioned against providing free healthcare benefits to undocumented immigrants, arguing it was unsustainable and unfair to Illinois taxpayers. According to Rep. Tipsword, "It is utterly astounding how the Democrats and the Governor continue to recklessly waste billions of dollars of taxpayer money."

The audit's findings have raised questions about the accuracy of cost estimates for these programs. Rep. Tipsword remarked, "This audit report is shocking on all levels, and one can only wonder if the grossly inaccurate estimated costs for this program were the result of office mismanagement or sheer incompetence."

He further questioned why funds are being allocated to these healthcare benefits, stating, "Why are we continuing to spend billions of taxpayer dollars on free healthcare and benefits for people who enter our country illegally?" Rep. Tipsword concluded with a call for immediate action: "The Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors and Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults programs must be shut down immediately to protect Illinois taxpayers."