November 18, 2024

Governor J.B. Pritzker

Office of the Governor

555 W. Monroe Street, 16th Floor

Chicago, Illinois  60661

President Toni Preckwinkle

Cook County Board

118 N. Clark Street, Room 537

Chicago, Illinois  60602

Mayor Brandon Johnson

Office of the Mayor of Chicago

City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle Street, Room 507

Chicago, Illinois  60602

Re:      Urgent Call for Action on the Migrant Crisis and its Financial Impact on Illinois Taxpayers

 Dear Governor Pritzker, President Preckwinkle, and Mayor Johnson:

As the migrant crisis in Illinois continues to grow, I am compelled to express serious concerns about its financial impact on Illinois taxpayers and the unsustainable nature of current spending levels. From February 2020 through October 31, 2024, the State of Illinois, Cook County and the City of Chicago have collectively allocated substantial taxpayer funds toward supporting the migrant population.

The State of Illinois alone has committed over $478 million to date on shelter, healthcare, and other essential services for migrants, many of whom have entered the United States illegally. Additionally, Illinois has ear-marked an extra $162 million for future support and pledged $440 million for Medicaid-style healthcare benefits for non-citizens, a considerable and growing commitment that places an overwhelming burden on Illinois’ budget​. Cook County contributing approximately $100 million, and the City of Chicago allocating nearly $300 million.

This approach has come at a high cost to Illinois taxpayers, redirecting scarce funds away from other essential public services and increasing our financial obligations without an end in sight. Continuing to operate without a long-term strategy is untenable. Our shared responsibility to manage this crisis must also acknowledge the financial limitations of our state, county, and city budgets. As stewards of public resources, we are obligated to balance our humanitarian values with the fiscal reality and sustainability of our state, Cook County, and City of Chicago finances.

I urge your offices to develop a comprehensive plan that prioritizes the financial well-being of our citizens and work in collaboration with both the current federal administration and any future administration to develop a sustainable and fair approach to this massive crisis. This includes working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, actively pursuing

diplomatic options to facilitate the return of migrants to their countries of origin.  It is simply unfair to expect Illinois taxpayers to bear the long-term financial burden of providing comprehensive support indefinitely.

While we are morally bound to ensure the basic sustenance and dignity of those within our communities, it is also essential to advocate for a solution that does not compromise the public safety and economic stability of our residents. Our current approach has become increasingly unsustainable, and we must collectively seek solutions that will balance compassion with financial responsibility.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I urge your offices to prioritize and collaborate on immediate action plans that address both the humanitarian and fiscal dimensions of this crisis.

Sincerely,

Commissioner Sean M. Morrison

17th District, Cook County