McHenry Times

The storms that swept through Northern Illinois on July 15 produced at least ten tornadoes, leaving nearly half a million ComEd customers without power. As of last Friday, power had been restored to 99% of the utility's customers.

ComEd crews prioritized repairs for hospitals, senior centers, law enforcement and fire departments before addressing residential areas. "I sincerely appreciate that ComEd crews worked around the clock to restore power to those living in the 32nd District and across Northern Illinois," said Senator Craig Wilcox.

Over $80,000 was returned to residents of the 32nd District during a recent ICASH event organized by Senator Wilcox in Algonquin Township. With assistance from officials at the Illinois Treasurer’s Office, over a dozen people were connected with unclaimed property totaling more than $80,000. One constituent recovered nearly $59,000 held in the state’s ICASH vault.

The ICASH program aids residents in identifying and reclaiming unclaimed property managed by the Treasurer’s Office. Since 2015, over $2 billion in assets have been returned to Illinoisans. According to the Treasurer’s website, unclaimed property includes assets such as checking and savings accounts, insurance checks, payroll checks, utility refunds, money orders, stocks, bonds, and safe deposit box contents.

Senate Republicans plan to continue hosting ICASH events throughout Illinois to provide local access to these services. The process is free and requires proper identification for asset recovery. More information can be found on the Illinois unclaimed property official state site.

The Senate Transportation Committee has initiated public hearings on merging the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace into a single public transit agency due to a projected $730 million funding deficit for the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) by 2026. These hearings will examine various aspects of the state's transit system including economic impact and governance reforms.

Proponents argue consolidation could streamline operations while opponents fear it might lead to increased costs for suburban users with diminished representation on governing boards. "This is a real concern for those of us who live in the suburbs," said Senator Wilcox.

Despite differing views on how to proceed, stakeholders aim for a dependable and financially sustainable transit system. The next hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, July 24.

Upcoming summer events in the 32nd District include:

- 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 with K9s4U at Kishwaukee Brewing Company.

- September 25: Conversations Untapped at Richmond Brathaus.

- October 2: Conversations Untapped at The Grove Pub and Grill.

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

For REAL ID event registrations or further details about required documents call (815) 455-6330.

The Illinois State Police (ISP) continues its efforts against vehicle theft and hijacking with a substantial $10 million grant from the Illinois Secretary of State’s Council focused on motor vehicle theft prevention and insurance verification. An additional $677,000 grant was announced in June.

From April to June of this year ISP recovered over two hundred fifty stolen or hijacked vehicles making more than twenty-four arrests related to stolen vehicles. This funding will support enhanced patrols and forensic services among other initiatives aimed at combating these crimes effectively.

Illinois introduced significant tax increases on sportsbooks earlier this month under Governor Pritzker's budget plan which moves from a flat rate structure to progressive tax rates ranging from twenty percent up forty percent based earnings levels.

Senate Republicans opposed these new rates arguing they could negatively impact both operators casual bettors potentially driving operators out reducing quality sports betting options available within state some industry leaders initially threatened leave reconsidered but concerns remain about long-term effects tax hikes industry consumers alike