North Cook News

Ted Dabrowski, a candidate for governor in Illinois, has criticized the state's spending on benefits for non-citizens, calling it unfair and suggesting that it should prevent Governor J.B. Pritzker from seeking a third term. Dabrowski made these remarks at the New Trier Township Republican Organization Thanksgiving Celebration held in Glenview.

"It's absurd that Gov. Pritzker has now spent over $2B on free healthcare for illegal immigrants – 100% funded by state taxpayers," said Dabrowski, Gubernatorial candidate. "He's spent billions more on free housing, free food, free schools, etc. Pritzker has dissed his own residents with his "welcoming programs" for non-citizens. It's another disqualifier for Pritzker to pursue a 3rd term."

According to budget materials and coverage of Governor Pritzker’s fiscal plans, additional state spending has been allocated to migrant support beyond medical benefits, including shelter and related services. In his February 2024 budget address, Pritzker proposed $181.7 million for migrant response as part of broader efforts to enhance education and other priorities. The subsequent debates have focused on balancing service maintenance with addressing cost overruns in immigrant health benefits and overall fiscal pressures.

Dabrowski is recognized as a conservative policy leader and formerly served as president of Wirepoints, an organization dedicated to data-driven analysis on issues such as taxes, pensions, education, and governance in Illinois. His previous roles include spokesman and vice president of policy at the Illinois Policy Institute and over 15 years with Citibank in international leadership positions. In September 2025, Dabrowski announced his candidacy for governor of Illinois, presenting himself as a reform-oriented Republican committed to fiscal realism.