State Senator Craig Wilcox (IL)
Recent News About State Senator Craig Wilcox (IL)
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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....
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Lawmakers Hear Testimony on AWB Rules
Lawmakers in Illinois recently heard testimony from the Illinois State Police (ISP) regarding their proposed permanent rules for the enforcement of the state's "assault weapon" ban (AWB). The ISP's temporary emergency rules are currently in effect, but action on the proposed permanent rules will be held until the next meeting of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) in January.The emergency rules include requirements for registering existing weapons that are included in the AWB. Owners of banned firearms purchased before January 10, 2023, are now required to...
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Toy Drive a Tremendous Success, New Leader for IL Farm Bureau
Residents of the 32nd District have shown tremendous generosity by donating toys for the annual Toys for Tots drive. Phil Sweeney and Karena Bergendof of Toys for Tots were astounded by the overflowing bin of toys for children of all ages when they visited a legislative office to collect the donations.Toys for Tots is a nationwide initiative where local communities hold collection campaigns to gather toys for less fortunate children. Coordinators, often Marines or members of local community organizations, work with social welfare agencies, church groups, and community...
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Senator Wilcox Hosts Fall 2023 Student Advisory Council
Senator Craig Wilcox recently hosted the Fall 2023 Student Advisory Council, bringing together 50 bright students from the 32nd District. The event, held at the Lake Villa Library, aimed to provide high school students with valuable insights into the public sector and encourage their involvement as active citizens. During the day-long event, the students had the opportunity to hear from three guest speakers who shared their experiences and discussed various roles in the public sector.Among the guest speakers were Lake County Circuit Judge Chris Stride, Lake County Board...
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Senate Republicans Push for Extension of Invest in Kids Act; Democrats Refuse to Call the Bill
Senate Republicans have been pushing for an extension of the Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship program, but Democrats have refused to call the bill during the fall Veto Session. As a result, thousands of low-income Illinois families will be left scrambling when the program ends on December 31. The program provided full tuition scholarships to children, allowing them to leave struggling public schools and attend a school of their choice. "We came to Springfield this fall to save Invest in Kids so the program could become permanent. Democrats who speak a great deal...
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Senator Craig Wilcox’s Woodstock Office to Serve as Collection Point for Toys for Tots
State Senator Craig Wilcox's legislative office in Woodstock, Illinois will once again be participating in the annual U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign. From now until Friday, December 8, the office will serve as a collection site for new, unwrapped toys and other gifts for children of all ages.Senator Wilcox emphasized the importance of the Toys for Tots campaign in ensuring that every child, regardless of their family's financial situation, has a gift to open during the holidays. He stated, "Toys for Tots has provided toys and other gifts to kids since 1947. The...
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Fall Veto Session Underway in Springfield as Lawmakers Consider Key Bills
State lawmakers convened in Springfield this week for the start of the annual fall Veto Session. During the spring session, over 550 bills were passed, with Governor JB Pritzker signing all but six into law. Of these six bills, three received total vetoes and three received partial vetoes.Legislators have the power to override a full veto with a 3/5 vote in both the House and Senate. If a vetoed bill is not called for a vote, the veto remains in place and the bill does not become law. For bills with amendatory vetoes, lawmakers can choose to approve the Governor's...