(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Republican lawmakers say a new state audit raises serious concerns about money the Pritzker Administration paid to give health care to undocumented immigrants.
A report by State Auditor General Frank Mautino shows the administration greatly underestimated the costs of what ended up being a more than $1.5 billion health care program for adult immigrants who lack legal status.
Illinois Senate Republican leader John Curran is among those calling for more transparency.
“Senate Bill 1699, we've asked for a transparent audit on all spending for this population that the governor has invited to the state of Illinois and tax dollars actually being spent. Here this program was spending well above estimates.”
Gov. JB Pritzker blames part of the problem on shifting immigration status, but stresses people need to get health care.
“I am in favor of universal health care. However that comes together, and we can talk about the myriad ways that we could do that.”
Still, the governor's budget suspended such coverage for those under 65.
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