East Central Reporter

Adam Niemerg, representative for Illinois House District 102, has called for an end to what he describes as irresponsible spending of billions of dollars on illegal immigrants by the state.

"The Governor and his allies in the General Assembly need to prioritize Illinois citizens and STOP the irresponsible spending of BILLIONS on illegal immigrants," said Adam M. Niemerg, State Representative for 102nd District (R), according to Facebook.

In a statement, Niemerg, who serves as the spokesman on the House Immigration and Human Rights Committee, focused his remarks on what he termed irresponsible state spending. He cited a report from the Illinois auditor general highlighting issues in taxpayer-funded health care programs for immigrants, which he claims have cost billions. Niemerg also criticized funding for certain non-governmental organizations, including the Indo-American Center. He read from the group's mission statement promoting civic engagement and advocacy in the immigration community "regardless of their immigration status," stating that it contradicts federal law. He argued that funding for such organizations should be cut from this year's state budget.

Screenshot of State Rep. Adam NIemerg's May 13 Facebook post | State Representative Adam Niemerg's Facebook page

The report referenced by Niemerg was an audit conducted by the state auditor general on Illinois' immigrant health care programs. It revealed that each of the three programs—covering seniors 65 and older, adults ages 55 to 64, and adults ages 42 to 54—enrolled more than double the number of participants initially estimated. From fiscal years 2021 to 2023, the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) program spent $412.3 million. The Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) program for those aged 55 to 64 spent $223.1 million, while the HBIA program for adults aged 42 to 54 cost $262.2 million.

According to the audit findings, over 20,000 individuals were removed from these programs due to eligibility or procedural issues, with another 1,490 transferred to other health programs. Additionally, there were instances of poor data entry and lack of internal controls leading to multiple Recipient Identification Numbers being issued and incorrect enrollments based on birthdates or legal status.

Niemerg has been serving in the Illinois General Assembly since January 2021 and resides in Dieterich with his family. Outside his legislative duties in Springfield, he works as a senior claims adjuster with Country Financial and is a member of the Farm Bureau.