Illinois State Senator Craig Wilcox released his Capitol Report on April 6, outlining legislative efforts, infrastructure projects, and recent developments across the state. Wilcox said he is promoting a package of bills aimed at supporting small businesses and workers while improving Illinois’ economic competitiveness.
The proposed legislation includes Senate Bill 3792 to eliminate the income tax on tipped wages, Senate Bill 137 to increase the retailer’s discount for small businesses, Senate Bill 3786 to create a Legacy Tax Credit for companies headquartered in Illinois, and Senate Bill 2763 to allow deductions for health insurance premiums and medical expenses. Wilcox discussed these bills with Senator Seth Lewis on the “Illinois Insider” podcast.
Wilcox also addressed local infrastructure improvements with news that construction has begun on the long-awaited Route 47 widening project in Woodstock. The project will expand about 2.25 miles of roadway through downtown Woodstock into two lanes each way and add roundabouts, sidewalks, a multiuse path, upgraded intersections, lighting, and streetscaping. Residents are encouraged to support local businesses during construction disruptions.
The report highlights statewide upgrades as all Public Safety Answering Points have transitioned to Next Generation 911 (NG911), replacing older systems with an internet-based network that allows emergency calls to be routed based on precise location data. This upgrade improves reliability during widespread emergencies by enabling calls to be rerouted between centers and strengthens Text-to-911 capabilities for those unable to make voice calls.
Wilcox noted recent judicial developments after the Illinois Appellate Court upheld the conviction of former DCFS caseworker Carlos Acosta in connection with AJ Freund’s death in Crystal Lake. The court found Acosta failed his responsibility by ignoring signs of abuse. Similar concerns were raised following another child fatality involving DCFS oversight failures.
A new study ranked Illinois forty-fifth nationally for entrepreneurship and economic growth according to a broader study on social mobility as reported by Senator Wilcox. Neighboring states performed better in this area while Illinois placed thirty-eighth overall for social mobility.
To mark America’s upcoming two hundred fiftieth anniversary in 2026, Illinois launched an “America 250” passport program encouraging residents and visitors to explore historic sites statewide—an initiative designed both as an educational opportunity and tourism booster.
Wilcox was elected as a Republican State Senator representing Illinois’ thirty-second district in 2018 after succeeding Pamela Althoff according to Ballotpedia.
