McLean County Times

Chapin Rose, a senator of the Illinois State Senate, has expressed concerns over Governor JB Pritzker's budget priorities. He said on X that the governor's record budget emphasizes spending on migrant programs while reducing funding for developmentally disabled residents.

"Guess what they spent it on," said Thomas Chapin Rose, State Senator for Illinois. "Welcome centers for illegals, $40 million. Hundreds of millions in healthcare costs. Another $40 million for other welcoming programs for illegals."

Illinois' 2025 state budget has become a point of contention due to its allocation between migrant aid and disability services. According to the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) FY25 Budget Briefing Book and the Comptroller’s Asylum Seekers Transparency Portal, the state has maintained millions in funding for Welcoming Centers and asylum-seeker programs. Meanwhile, disability advocates have criticized what they perceive as stagnant support for developmental services, arguing that human-services resources are being unevenly distributed.

The FY2025 budget designates substantial funds toward migrant-related programs. The IDHS FY25 Budget Briefing Book reports that $35 million was allocated for Welcoming Centers and $38 million for Immigrant Integration Services. Additionally, the Comptroller’s portal tracks further asylum-seeker payments, highlighting Illinois’ continued investment in migrant assistance initiatives across multiple agencies.

Funding for developmental disability programs has seen modest increases from 2023 to 2025. According to the Illinois Health and Human Services (HHS) Budget Report and IDHS updates, Direct Support Professional wage rates rose twice—in January 2024 and January 2025—while added appropriations supported community placements and Ligas compliance. However, advocates argue that workforce shortages persist despite higher allocations.

Senator Rose represents Illinois Senate District 51 as a Republican and has served in the General Assembly since 2003, initially in the House before moving to the Senate in 2013. His official legislative biography notes his role as Minority Spokesperson for Appropriations with a focus on fiscal accountability, agriculture, and job creation, reflecting his long-standing involvement in budget and policy oversight.