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* From the Tribune earlier this month…
But even among Democrats there is some reluctance to provide further funding for the migrant crisis without addressing long-standing issues involving poverty and the unhoused in Illinois, Senate President Don Harmon said.
“After saying for generations that we don’t have enough money to deal with real and similar issues affecting people here in the state, there’s no way we could advance an appropriation bill that dealt only with the newly arrived migrants,” said Harmon, an Oak Park Democrat, echoing concerns that have been raised by some members of the legislature’s Black Caucus.
“If we’re going to provide funding to deal with that crisis, we’re going to have to provide funding for crises that have existed in our communities for generations,” Harmon said. “I don’t see an appetite to solve one problem while ignoring others that have been at the forefront of people’s agendas for decades.”
* Harmon appeared on the 21st Show this week, so host Brian Mackey asked him about that quote. After criticizing the Texas governor and praising the concept of a nation of immigrants as “good for our culture,” Harmon had this to say…
I wasn’t channeling the Black Caucus in particular. Across the caucus, I think across the General Assembly, there is a discomfort in saying ‘yes.’ For generations we have told you that we do not have the resources to invest in solving seemingly intractable problems, like homelessness, like food insecurity, like workforce development. And yes, it is a humanitarian crisis foisted upon us. The volume of this crisis is different than things we’ve seen in the past.
But as a policy matter, I don’t see a way to get the votes to support a funding bill that deals only with the migrant crisis. Any response is going to need to be more holistic, it’s going to need to look for synergies between services and resources available for the migrant arrivals, that would also be available for people struggling with the same problems whose families have been here for generations. I just don’t see a way we say ‘yes’ to some and ‘no’ to others. […]
I want to emphasize that there are opportunities to invest in Illinois that can address the immediate issue, but also address long term issues.. … This is a good time for us to step back and say, what resources do we need in place in Illinois, not for this crisis, but for the next crisis, and the crisis after that, and the crisis after that, because surely they will come. Could we not invest in some safe emergency shelter that can be used for arriving migrants now, but also for Illinois residents, displaced and homeless and find a way to make this a lasting renewable resource? […]
In my best case, we find a path to give people stability, the opportunity to earn a living. And we build the infrastructure not only for the migrants, but also for everyone else who are in need of similar services, and that becomes a durable framework that lasts for decades.
Please pardon all transcription errors.
There’s more, so listen to the rest if you have the time.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jan 26, 24 @ 9:09 am
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Senator Harmon makes a good point. How can you justify prioritizing asylum seekers ( who might not get asylum) over U.S. citizens?
Comment by Steve Friday, Jan 26, 24 @ 9:29 am
===How can you justify===
Like you’ve ever advocated here for helping the homeless, etc.
C’mon. You’re concern trolling.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jan 26, 24 @ 9:33 am
-Like you’ve ever advocated here for helping the homeless, etc.-
I think Illinois taxpayers should get priority.
Comment by Steve Friday, Jan 26, 24 @ 9:44 am
- I think Illinois taxpayers should get priority. -
As the late Wordslinger would say, don’t hide your light under a bushel. Be honest and simply say you don’t want Illinois to provide any aid to migrants or homeless citizens.
Comment by Excitable Boy Friday, Jan 26, 24 @ 9:59 am
== I think Illinois taxpayers should get priority. ==
When asylum seekers have money, they spend it in Illinois shops and stores, thus making them taxpayers by virtue of paying sales tax on their items. Check and mate, my friend.
Comment by Leap Day William Friday, Jan 26, 24 @ 9:59 am
How about we do our best to help people who need help? Crazy me, I apologize. It must be those 8 years of parochial school coming out.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Friday, Jan 26, 24 @ 10:07 am
Harmon makes good points about short and long-term planning. We need a short-term reaction but planning long range for future challenges. Rainy Day Fund is one option but make it more holistic and balance needs of Illinois citizens as well.
Comment by This Friday, Jan 26, 24 @ 10:18 am
“I think Illinois taxpayers should get priority “ you want to move in with migrants
Comment by Rabid Friday, Jan 26, 24 @ 10:24 am
We do need a consistent set of policies to deal with immigration however I am extremely happy that we are so attractive to outsiders given we face the same demographic reduced birthrate/aging/shrinking population cliff as most other highly developed economies.
Ignoring this reduced fertility rate leads to an aging and ultimately shrinking population that is nearly impossible to reverse and would make this brouhaha over the “border crisis” small potatoes indeed.
Comment by former southerner Friday, Jan 26, 24 @ 10:28 am
Thanks for finally talking about >Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar »
Harmon further explains his rejection of a stand-alone migrant appropriations
bill
Comment by This Site Friday, Jan 26, 24 @ 10:29 am
== we face the same demographic reduced birthrate/aging/shrinking population cliff as most other highly developed economies.
Ignoring this reduced fertility rate leads to an aging and ultimately shrinking population that is nearly impossible to reverse ==
Mark Steyn in his 2006 book America Alone paints that same demographic picture. Interestingly, one of his proposed solutions is increased (mostly Hispanic) immigration. He argued for more but somewhat controlled immigration.
We’re getting his proposed solution, just in an uncontrolled manner. We (the US) should have seen this coming …
Comment by RNUG Friday, Jan 26, 24 @ 10:52 am
It seems reasonable to take a measured and inclusive approach that most efficiently spends state resources to address more than one social problem, if possible. Building brick and mortar immigration shelters and then transitioning them to homeless shelters seems like a better use of the state’s scarce resources than temporary tent cities in parks that are the focal point of a neighborhood.
Comment by Lara Friday, Jan 26, 24 @ 11:10 am
=== You call that a good deal for the taxpaying citizens?===
Yes a very good deal. You forgot to add income taxes they pay after they get their work permits. And let’s not forget refugees are more likely to form companies and hire Americans.
Comment by Da big bad wolf Friday, Jan 26, 24 @ 11:29 am
- We (the US) should have seen this coming -
None of this has surprised those making the decisions. There is just no political will to take the steps necessary to either help these people remain in their home countries or embrace them as new members of this country.
Comment by Excitable Boy Friday, Jan 26, 24 @ 11:29 am
If you’re homeless you’re homeless. Whether or not it’s because you can’t get a work permit or you’re disabled or mentally ill or something else. Why can’t we treat all him the same?
Comment by Da big bad wolf Friday, Jan 26, 24 @ 11:34 am
The right to avoid freezing or starving to death is not contingent on whether you will provide a good return on investment.
Comment by Clairification Friday, Jan 26, 24 @ 11:37 am
So you’re asking if I think a $10,000 investment made by the government to support someone who wants to move here and start a life? That once they get their work permit, and work 40 hours a week at $15/hr, start to pay taxes back into the system? Where at $15/hr, assuming nothing goes up, over a decade they will pay ~$10k in income taxes to Illinois, ~$11k in IL sales tax, plus $11k in federal taxes. Not counting whatever local taxes come in. That comes out to around $33,500 in combined state and federal taxes paid by this person over a decade?
Yes, I think earning the state and feds $22,500 on a $10,000 investment over a decade, a return around 12.5% APY, is a pretty good deal for the taxpayers all around. Plus we’re investing in people who want to be here, which pays even larger returns over the long term.
Comment by Leap Day William Friday, Jan 26, 24 @ 12:03 pm
Harmon: And we build the infrastructure not only for the migrants, but also for everyone else who are in need of similar services, and that becomes a durable framework that lasts for decades.
Lara: Building brick and mortar immigration shelters and then transitioning them to homeless shelters seems like a better use of the state’s scarce resources than temporary tent cities in parks that are the focal point of a neighborhood.
My thought as well. This is the kind of responsible, forward-looking governance we need more of.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Friday, Jan 26, 24 @ 12:28 pm
President Harmon’s perspective resonates with me. It’s time for proactive measures. As a Mexican American, my father worked hard to build a life here without government assistance. We can’t act like this is a new issue; we hold the THIRD largest Mexican population. The immigration system is broken; there’s no “right” way. A complete overhaul is essential, addressing court backlogs, DACA, TPS, and citizenship issues.
The current delays in appointments due to asylum cases prioritize newcomers over those who’ve been following the rules for years. It’s unfair. Tax-paying undocumented individuals are now supporting new arrivals, causing extreme frustration and outrage in the Mexican, Mexican American and Immigrant communities.
President Harmon rightly emphasizes the broader impact on housing, labor rights, the economy, etc. We also need experienced voices on immigration at the table to help guide policy. I have yet to see that happen. Right now we are seeing selective humanity for political gain. We’ve been dealing with homelessness, poverty, and rising unemployment for years. Mexicanos have been working and paying taxes for decades. Some of us have been here in Black and Latino communities fighting for our people. Where have you been?
Before addressing external needs, we must prioritize our own challenges. We as Democrats face an extremely tough decision between voters and migrants, but it’s necessary to bring the situation under control. Also there is more voting Hispanic voters of age in 2024 than ever before. The hard truth is we need Biden to win and Democrats to take the House before any real resolution can happen. The clock is ticking. In 2025, we can pick this back up.
Also, Mexicanos have proven for decades that government assistance isn’t essential for assimilation. That is why we do need transparency in funds allocation. Where has all this money gone?
Let’s be more policy-driven, proactive, and fiscally responsible. Putting politics aside for the greater good is the right path forward.
Comment by Leslie D. Friday, Jan 26, 24 @ 1:17 pm