I am proud to have been appointed by House Speaker Dean Plocher as a member of the Special Interim Committee on Illegal Immigrant Crimes. This role underscores my commitment to addressing key issues affecting our community’s economic well-being: the rising cost of living, illegal immigration, reckless government spending, and the burden on our criminal justice system and public safety.
Illegal immigration significantly impacts our economy. When people enter our country illegally, they often become recipients of government assistance programs like free insurance, rent subsidies, and food stamps. While these programs are designed to help those in need, they are being stretched to the limit by individuals who do not contribute to the tax base. This increased demand for public services results in higher government spending, leading to inflation.
Moreover, the cost of illegal immigration extends to our criminal justice system and public safety. Law enforcement agencies are overburdened with managing crimes associated with illegal immigration. This diverts resources from other critical public safety needs and increases the strain on our criminal justice system, leading to higher costs for taxpayers.
The rising cost of living is most evident in the housing market. My nephew found that buying a home in Washington state is almost impossible due to exorbitant prices. Homes in Washington can cost up to 10 times more than similar properties here in Missouri. Unfortunately, if current trends continue, we could see similar price hikes here. The dream of homeownership is becoming increasingly unattainable for many of our citizens.
Illegal immigration also burdens our education system. Schools struggle to accommodate the growing number of students who require additional support, such as English language classes and interpreters. This strains resources and diverts attention and funding away from other important educational needs, resulting in a decline in the quality of education for all students.
Another factor contributing to inflation is the federal government’s decision to forgive billions of dollars in student loans. This is unfair to those who paid off their loans or chose not to attend college. This policy transfers the cost of higher education to taxpayers, many of whom never benefited from these programs. It also sets a dangerous precedent of fiscal irresponsibility, as the government continues to spend money it does not have.
The combination of illegal immigration and government spending is creating a perfect storm of economic challenges. Inflation erodes the purchasing power of our citizens, making it harder to afford basic necessities. Housing costs are soaring, putting homeownership out of reach for many. Our education system is under strain, and taxpayers are being asked to shoulder the burden of student loan forgiveness.
We must address these issues head-on. We need to secure our borders and ensure that those who enter our country do so legally and contribute to our economy. We must also advocate for fiscal responsibility at all levels of government. This means prioritizing spending on essential services and avoiding policies that increase our federal budget deficit.
As your state representative, I am committed to fighting for our community’s economic well-being. I will continue to work towards policies that promote responsible government spending, secure our borders, and ensure that the American dream remains attainable for all citizens. It is time to take a stand and demand accountability from our leaders. Together, we can overcome these challenges and build a brighter future for our state and nation.
Thank you for your continued support, and please reach out with your concerns and suggestions. Your voice is essential in this fight for our economic stability.
May God bless and keep you and our great nation.
Rep. Hardy Billington represents District 152, which includes Butler County.