State Senator Craig Wilcox (IL)
Recent News About State Senator Craig Wilcox (IL)
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Capitol Report from Senator Craig Wilcox
Senate Republicans have raised concerns over a new law passed by Democrats in Illinois, with one member warning, “This is How you Steal an Election.” Senator Craig Wilcox expressed his belief that the new law, Senate Bill 2412, is a blatant power grab by Illinois Democrats aimed at protecting their incumbents in the upcoming elections. Wilcox criticized the bill as an attempt to change election rules mid-game, prioritizing control over free and fair elections.Governor J.B. Pritzker faced criticism for swiftly signing the bill into law without thoroughly reviewing it....
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Capitol News from Senator Craig Wilcox
Senator Craig Wilcox recently hosted close to 40 high school students from high schools across the 32nd Senate District for his 2024 Spring Student Advisory Council meeting. Speaking about the event, Senator Wilcox stated, "The level of engagement from these students is always very impressive."During the meeting, the students collaborated and developed their own bill idea that represents an issue important to them. Senator Wilcox highlighted the importance of the students gaining a unique understanding of hearing both sides of an issue before registering their official...
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Capitol Report: Updates from Senator Craig Wilcox
Senator Craig Wilcox recently co-sponsored legislation aimed at giving law enforcement more authority to evict squatters from properties where they have no legal standing. Speaking about Senate Bill 3658, Wilcox stated, "No person shall have a right or legal standing to occupy or remain on or in any real property, residence, or structure if the person has no written property interest under a written lease or rental agreement with the owner." The bill has been recommended for approval by the Senate Judiciary Committee.In a separate event, hundreds of supporters of the...
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Senator Craig Wilcox Addresses Various Legislative Issues
Senator Craig Wilcox recently voiced opposition against Senate Bill 771, which would grant the state sweeping authority over private land, infringing on property rights and potentially harming Illinois’ agriculture, construction, and energy sectors. Wilcox stated, "I am strongly opposed to the legislation and believe that it infringes on property rights and would create yet another burdensome and costly regulatory process for citizens."Additionally, Senate Bill 2832, which aims to stop governments from charging property tax penalties to deceased individuals, has been...
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Senate Republicans Introduce Legislation to Reform Prisoner Review Board in Response to Controversial Decision
Senate Republicans have introduced legislation aimed at reforming the Prisoner Review Board (PRB) in response to a recent controversial decision made by Governor JB Pritzker’s PRB. The decision in question involved the release of a convicted domestic abuser who went on to allegedly murder a young boy less than 24 hours later. In light of this incident, the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus is pushing for reforms that prioritize victims, depoliticize the appointment process, and ensure accountability for the board's decisions.Senator Wilcox, a Republican lawmaker,...
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Highlighting Teachers, PRB Tragedy, IL has Highest Tax Burden (Again)
Senator Craig Wilcox Launches Inaugural “My Inspirational Teacher” Essay ContestSenator Craig Wilcox has announced the launch of the first annual "My Inspirational Teacher" Essay Contest for Middle School/Junior High School students in the 32nd Senate District. Reflecting on his own experience, Wilcox shared, "I will always remember Mr. Hunt, my 4th grade teacher, who found a proclivity for math in myself and other students, and challenged us daily, well beyond the math curriculum for 4th grade." He emphasized the importance of recognizing teachers who make a significant...
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Capitol Report from Senator Craig Wilcox
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) Director Terry Prince testified before the Legislative Audit Commission regarding the improvements made following the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans Home. Prince acknowledged the challenges in maintaining proper staffing levels despite the implementation of better policies post-outbreak.Senator Craig Wilcox recommended Alyssa Anna Murphy for an executive appointment to the Illinois Racing Board, emphasizing her qualifications and potential contribution to the board. Wilcox expressed confidence that Murphy's...
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Senator Craig Wilcox Launches Inaugural “My Inspirational Teacher” Essay Contest
State Senator Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry) has announced the launch of the first annual My Inspirational Teacher Essay Contest for Middle School/Junior High School students in the 32nd Senate District. The initiative aims to celebrate teachers during Illinois’ Teacher Appreciation Week and give students an opportunity to express gratitude towards their most inspirational educators.According to Wilcox, "Teachers make a profound difference in so many lives, and I want to provide students with an opportunity to remind them of all the ways their favorite teacher inspires and...
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Capitol Report: Senator Craig Wilcox Addresses Key Legislation and Events in Illinois
Senator Craig Wilcox recently highlighted important legislative efforts in Illinois, addressing key issues such as voting rights, property tax penalties, and child protection. One of the significant initiatives he co-sponsored is a Constitutional Amendment aimed at ensuring U.S. citizenship is required to vote in all Illinois elections.Regarding the proposed amendment, Senator Wilcox stated, "I am proud to co-sponsor this new legislation." The Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 14 (SJRCA 14) seeks to clarify the requirement of U.S. citizenship for voting by...
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### Migrant Population in IL Increases by 821% over Two Years
A recent Bloomberg News report highlighted a significant surge in the migrant population heading towards Illinois in the United States. The report indicated an astonishing 821% increase in migrants listing an Illinois address for immigration court cases between 2021 and 2023.Governor JB Pritzker has been vocal about his commitment to providing services for migrants, aiming to make Illinois the "Most Welcoming State in the Nation" for non-citizens. Illinois stands out as one of only two states offering free healthcare for non-citizens and various other taxpayer-funded...
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Senators Wilcox and DeWitte Distribute over 9,000 Valentines to Local Seniors
State Senators Craig Wilcox and Don DeWitte recently spread love and joy to seniors in nursing homes and assisted living centers by distributing over 9,000 homemade valentines. The deliveries were part of the Senate Republicans' annual Valentines for Seniors program.In the 32nd District, Senator Wilcox expressed his gratitude towards the community for their overwhelming participation, stating, "We set a new participation record this year in the 32nd District, with close to 5,000 valentines submitted by school, church, scouting, and 4-H groups and by residents who wanted...
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Senate Republicans Highlight Democrats’ Misplaced Priorities for Healthcare Cost and Access
Senate Republicans held a press conference last Thursday to shed light on the misplaced priorities of the Democratic party regarding healthcare cost and access. They specifically pointed out the issue of noncitizens receiving healthcare at little to no cost, while Illinoisans continue to bear the burden of hefty premiums and co-pays. The program providing free healthcare for noncitizens has seen a significant increase in cost, from an estimated $2 million to over $1 billion in just a few years. This means that Illinois taxpayers not only pay for their own healthcare...
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Woodstock Willie Predicts an Early Spring!
Woodstock Willie, the famous groundhog, has predicted an early spring, bringing hope to residents and visitors of Woodstock Square. Joined by retiring WGN weatherman Tom Skilling, Woodstock Willie did not see his shadow, indicating that warmer weather is just around the corner. This prediction aligns with Punxsutawney Phil's forecast on the same day.Woodstock Willie's prognostication took place during the Groundhog Days event, which celebrates the filming of the iconic movie "Groundhog Day" in Woodstock Square. This community event attracts visitors from all over the...
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Senate Republicans Help Convince Gov. Pritzker to Pause Budget Cuts for the Developmentally Disabled
Senate Republicans have successfully persuaded the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) to halt proposed budget cuts for the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled (IDD) community. The Pritzker administration's plan to reduce funding would have resulted in 2.5 million fewer hours of care provided by Direct Support Professionals (DSP) in group homes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This cut, amounting to nearly $90 million, would have affected 90% of all group home residents.The proposal faced strong opposition from lawmakers on both...
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Capitol Report: Illinois Legislative Session Begins
The Illinois General Assembly commenced its regular session on January 16th, and lawmakers have been busy meeting with constituents, drafting legislation, and discussing important issues. One of the key topics that is expected to be addressed during the session is the ongoing immigration crisis and its associated costs.Governor JB Pritzker has taken executive action to deal with the crisis, bypassing the legislature and spending taxpayer dollars. Senator Craig Wilcox has called for more transparency regarding the amount of money being spent on immigration services and the...
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New Director Appointed for Troubled Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
A recent report by the Illinois Inspector General has shed light on the troubling state of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The report revealed that in 2022, nearly 50 more children died while under the care of DCFS compared to the previous year. In response to these issues, Governor JB Pritzker has appointed Heidi Mueller as the new Director of DCFS. Mueller, who currently serves as the Director of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, is an expert in youth justice and child welfare.Outgoing Director Marc D. Smith, who has been in...
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Senator Craig Wilcox Launches Fourth Annual “Valentines for Seniors” Card Drive
State Senator Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry) has announced the launch of his fourth annual “Valentines for Seniors” card drive in Illinois. The initiative aims to bring joy and show appreciation to seniors in assisted living centers, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities across the 32nd Senate District.Senator Wilcox is encouraging students from public and private schools, church groups, scouting organizations, and other community groups to participate in creating homemade cards. These cards, along with poems and well-wishes, will be collected at Senator Wilcox's...
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Senator Wilcox Hosts “Valentines for Seniors” Card Drive
Illinois Senator Craig Wilcox is organizing a "Valentines for Seniors" card drive in an effort to bring joy and companionship to the elderly in the 32nd District. The senator's office is collecting homemade cards, notes, and drawings that will be distributed to local nursing homes, assisted living centers, and long-term care facilities. Senator Wilcox is encouraging students, church groups, scouting organizations, and other community groups to participate in this initiative. Cards can be dropped off or mailed to Senator Wilcox's Woodstock office until February 5th. The...
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New Year, New Laws, Part II
As the new year approaches, Illinois residents can expect several new laws to take effect on January 1, 2024. These laws cover various areas, including education, elections, healthcare, parenting, sports, transportation, and support for veterans and military families.One significant change is the expiration of the Invest in Kids program, which provided scholarships to low-income K-12 students in struggling schools. Despite efforts to save the program, it is set to expire due to the lack of intervention from Governor JB Pritzker and the refusal of legislative Democrats....
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New Laws for Jan. 1, 2024, Part I
As we approach the end of 2023, Illinois is preparing for the implementation of more than 300 new laws on January 1, 2024. While a comprehensive list of these laws is available for public viewing, here are some of the more notable ones that will take effect in the new year.One issue that has received attention during the fall veto session is the expiration of bipartisan legislation that established higher minimum prison terms for individuals convicted of certain crimes. Democratic lawmakers have refused to extend this legislation, which aimed to keep Illinoisans safer....