Dupage Policy Journal

Illinois state Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park) recently joined fellow Reps. Norine Hammond (R-Macomb), Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) and C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville) in calling for a moratorium on the state's $1 billion health benefits program for noncitizen immigrants.

“Undocumented immigrants are ineligible for any federal Medicaid match, resulting in State General Revenue Funds being used to pay for the entirety of services provided," Cabello said in a recent news release from his office. "As pointed out in our press conference, the dramatic growth in undocumented immigrant participation will require nearly a billion dollars in general revenue funds to support the program in fiscal year 2024. This is unsustainable and could lead to the loss of funding and services for Illinois’ most vulnerable citizens."

The health benefits coverage for eligible noncitizen immigrants is estimated to be approximately 108,400 over the original fiscal year 2023 (FY23) estimates, with enrollees totaling approximately 31,500 over the original FY23 estimates, marking respective 202% and 94% increases in fiscal year 2024, according to a Department of Healthcare and Family Services report.

"It is unacceptable that the Illinois Democrats have repeatedly slipped these expansions into bills at the last minute, without committee hearings, public input, or debate," Cabello said in the release. "The lack of accountability and transparency in the process of this expansion of health benefits for undocumented immigrants is concerning."

House Resolution 220, which Cabello supports, seeks to pause new enrollments in the health benefits program and create an audit to fully gauge the costs and enrollment numbers associated with it.

Cabello also argued that lawmakers need to prioritize funding for other programs that would benefit from the $990 million in General Revenue Funds that would become available for other programs with a pause on the aforementioned benefits.

“We cannot afford to continue down this path of fiscal irresponsibility," he said. "We must take action to ensure that our state budget has a chance at being sustainable and that our most vulnerable citizens are not left behind.”

Cabello was first elected to represent the state's 90th House District in November. His district includes the following communities in Winnebago, Stephenson and Boone counties: Rockford, Machesney Park, Freeport, Roscoe, Loves Park, Rockton, South Beloit, Calodnia, Durand, Rock City and Rockton. 

Prior to holding his current seat, Cabello represented the 68th District from 2012 to 2021 before being unseated by Democrat Dave Vella.