Pritzker Defends His Sanctuary State Agenda While Illinoisans Pay the Price
SPRINGFIELD – As Governor J.B. Pritzker traveled to Washington, D.C., to testify on Illinois’ sanctuary state policies, his immigration agenda has cost Illinois citizens billions of dollars. While Governor Pritzker claims he’s simply following existing law, in reality he has pushed policies that dramatically limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement—even in cases involving repeat offenders, violent criminals, and known gang members.
In 2021, Governor Pritzker signed legislation forcing counties to cancel long-standing ICE detention contracts, weakening the state’s ability to detain and deport dangerous individuals. He also empowered the Attorney General to investigate and penalize police departments that assist federal immigration officials, sending a chilling message to law enforcement across Illinois.
Beyond enforcement, Governor Pritzker created the taxpayer-funded Welcoming Illinois office to expand benefits for undocumented immigrants, including free healthcare—costing billions at a time when working families are struggling with inflation, rising taxes, and public safety concerns.
State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) said that the testimony wasn’t just about immigration policy—it was about a governor more focused on currying favor in Washington than protecting the people of Illinois. Residents deserve leadership rooted in accountability, not political ambition.
Madigan Sentenced: 7 ½ Years, $2.5 Million Fine for Public Corruption
Once the most powerful politician in Illinois, former House Speaker Michael Madigan was sentenced this week to 7½ years in federal prison and a $2.5 million fine for corruption—a stunning fall for a man who ruled state politics like a mob boss, controlling government, rewarding allies, punishing opponents, and building one of the most formidable political machines in the country.
Madigan was indicted in 2022 after years of federal investigations. Prosecutors charged him with racketeering, bribery, wire fraud, and extortion for orchestrating a scheme in which he traded official favors for personal and political gain. At the heart of the case was a series of deals involving utility giant ComEd, which prosecutors said secured favorable legislation in exchange for funneling no-work jobs and contracts to Madigan’s allies.
The trial revealed a political operation run like an organized crime syndicate—one that blurred the lines between public service and personal power. Madigan was ultimately convicted on all major counts, ending a career that shaped state government for half a century.
But while Madigan faces justice, the system that enabled him remains intact. Not a single ethics reform targeting the General Assembly has passed since his indictment. While Senate Republicans have introduced measures calling for independent oversight and tighter revolving-door laws, Democratic leaders have blocked action. Without meaningful reform, Madigan’s conviction may serve as a warning—but not the fix Illinois still desperately needs.
Sports Betting Just Got More Expensive—Thanks to Illinois Democrats
Illinois Democrats approved a new per-wager tax on online sports bets, adding another financial burden to consumers and threatening the state’s legal sports betting industry.
Beginning July 1, Illinois sportsbooks must pay $0.25 on each of the first 20 million bets placed statewide annually and $0.50 on every bet after that. FanDuel has announced it will begin charging a $0.50 fee on every wager starting September 1.
This follows a steep tax increase passed last year that already raised rates to as high as 40% for top operators.