Illinois State Senator Craig Wilcox released a Capitol Report on Mar. 30 outlining recent legislative priorities and community updates.
Wilcox’s report addresses several issues including public safety concerns following the death of Sheridan Gorman in Chicago, new proposals to support small businesses and workers, and details about the upcoming Illinois spring trout fishing season.
The senator highlighted concerns after Gorman’s murder earlier this month. He said that the individual accused was in the country illegally, had a criminal history, missed court appearances, and was subject to an outstanding warrant for over two years. The report raises questions about Governor JB Pritzker’s policies regarding cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities under the expanded TRUST Act. Wilcox said he is cosponsoring Senate Bill 1316 to repeal the TRUST Act: “Public safety must be the top priority and Illinois families deserve policies that ensure dangerous individuals are held accountable.”
Wilcox also described participation in a Senate Republican press conference introducing legislation aimed at helping small businesses and workers. Proposed bills include eliminating state income tax on tipped wages (Senate Bill 3792), increasing retailer discounts for small businesses (Senate Bill 137), creating a Legacy Tax Credit for companies headquartered in Illinois (Senate Bill 3786), and allowing deductions for health insurance premiums by individuals or small business owners (Senate Bill 2763). These measures aim to address economic challenges such as population loss, slow job growth, and rising costs.
In addition to legislative matters, Wilcox announced that Illinois’ spring trout fishing season will begin April 4 at dozens of locations statewide. The Department of Natural Resources will stock more than 80,000 rainbow trout this spring with additional sites added for McHenry, Macon, Wayne, and Adams counties. Anglers are reminded they must have valid licenses and follow regulations; more information can be found at https://ifishillinois.org/.
Wilcox has served as a Republican member of the Illinois State Senate since his election in 2018 representing the state’s 32nd District according to Wikipedia.
Looking ahead, Wilcox encouraged residents to participate responsibly in outdoor activities like fishing while lawmakers continue work on public safety reforms.
