South Cook News

Illinois State House District 36 candidate Christine Shanahan McGovern has voiced her concerns regarding the recently passed state budget. "Let’s talk about the budget again that the Democrats want and passed," McGovern said. She will face Democrat Rick Ryan in the upcoming general election.

"Let's talk about the budget again that the Democrats want and passed," said Shanahan McGovern, according to Facebook. "So much money is going towards the illegal immigrants. Today I followed up on a possibility that there is a shelter on the Southside. This shelter is blocks away from District 36."

According to McGovern, "Today I followed up on a possibility that there is a shelter on the Southside." She further elaborated on social media, stating, "This shelter is blocks away from District 36. Aloha Motel on 85th and Cicero is a 'sanctuary' for our new illegal voters. How much better off would you all be if the government paid for a 3-month stay in a hotel and then a year for an apartment? I know I would be better off financially."

Screenshot of Christine Shanahan McGovern's May 31 Facebook post | Christine Shanahan McGovern for IL State Representative District 36 Facebook page

On May 29, the Illinois State House passed a $53.1 billion budget, as reported by WBEZ. The budget includes several provisions such as an expansion of a child tax credit for children under age 12, which provides a credit of 20% of the state’s earned income tax credit this year. It also funds the Smart Start Illinois program with an increased $75 million for early-childhood block grants and opens 5,000 more preschool slots. Additionally, $160 million is earmarked for migrant welcome centers and $198 million is allocated to the rainy day fund.

Illinois Policy reported that among the elements cut from Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s spending plan was a proposal for cash assistance for migrants. However, anticipated spending of more than $600 million for healthcare for undocumented migrants remains included in the budget, with $440 million earmarked from the general revenue fund for this purpose. Furthermore, $182 million in emergency funding is designated for migrants arriving in the Chicago area.

Christine Shanahan McGovern is running as the Republican candidate for Illinois House of Representatives District 36 after an uncontested race in the Republican primary held in March. Describing herself as a mother and business owner "committed to my community where I have lived almost 29 years," she emphasizes her local ties on her campaign website.