McHenry Times

Senator Craig Wilcox issued a statement in response to the recent assassination attempt on President Trump, expressing gratitude to Secret Service officials and condolences to those affected. "It saddens me to know there are people in this country who believe opening fire on a political figure is somehow heroic," Wilcox said. He emphasized the need for transparent answers regarding the incident and called for a return to civility in political discourse.

New data from the Internal Revenue Service revealed that over 87,000 Illinois residents relocated to other states in 2022, resulting in nearly $10 billion in income leaving Illinois. The City of Chicago experienced one of the highest rates of domestic population loss nationwide. Senator Wilcox attributed this exodus to Illinois' high tax burden, noting Governor J.B. Pritzker's recent tax hikes.

A new law aimed at ensuring educational continuity for children under the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) was signed into law on July 1. Senate Bill 2824, co-sponsored by Wilcox, allows children to remain in their current schools even after being placed with different caregivers. The law also protects caregivers from out-of-district tuition fees.

Legislation designed to align education with workforce needs was also enacted recently. Senate Bill 2862 mandates that the Illinois Board of Higher Education publish an annual list of in-demand jobs, helping educators prepare students for future careers. This measure took effect immediately upon being signed into law on July 1.

Wilcox announced several upcoming events within his district:

- July 17: ICASH Unclaimed Property Day at Algonquin Township Building

- August 5: Secretary of State REAL ID Event at McHenry City Hall

- August 17: District Office Open House at Wilcox Office

- September 11: Medicare 101 at Nippersink Public Library

- September 19: Barks & Brews event with K9s4U at Kishwaukee Brewing Company

- September 25 and October 2: Conversations Untapped events

- October 15: Senior Health Fair at Crystal Lake Park District Grand Oaks Building

The Illinois State Fair Museum Foundation is seeking nominations for its “Illinoisan of the Day” program during this year's state fair from August 8 to August 18. Nominees must be state residents aged 25 or older with a history of service at county or state fairs.

Wilcox reminded professional license-holders not to delay renewing their licenses before they expire on September 30 due to reported processing delays by the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation.

Lastly, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) urged drivers to exercise caution as roadside mowing continues through mid-August. IDOT highlighted that work zones average nearly 6,100 crashes annually in Illinois.