Addressing migrant crisis top of mind for state lawmakers as legislat…

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) – Lawmakers returned to Springfield Tuesday for the start of session and how to pay for the surge of migrants coming to the state is at the top of the to-do-list.

It comes as Governor J.B. Pritzker sent a letter to Texas Governor Greg Abbott Friday begging Abbott not to send more migrants to Chicago because of the cold weather.

“While action is pending at the federal level, I plead with you for mercy for the thousands of people who are powerless to speak for themselves,” Pritzker’s letter to Abbott reads. “Please, while winter is threatening vulnerable people’s lives, suspend your transports and do not send more people to our state.”

Since 2022, more than 38,000 people have come to Chicago from the southern border. As more migrants arrive, Governor J.B. Pritzker said he talked to lawmakers about setting aside more money on top of the $160 million additional dollars the state invested to help deal with the crisis. The governor…