McHenry Times

When constituents attended the REAL ID appointments at an event co-hosted by Senator Craig Wilcox, Representatives Reick, and Weber last week, they received an unexpected benefit. Officials from the Illinois Tollway were present to assist attendees in switching their plastic IPASS transponders for new sticker technology. Nearly every individual who signed up for REAL ID services also took advantage of this opportunity.

Senator Wilcox expressed gratitude towards the Secretary of State’s Mobile DMV unit and the Illinois Tollway representatives for efficiently handling popular vehicle-related transactions. "My deepest thanks go out to the representatives from the Secretary of State’s Mobile DMV unit and the IL Tollway who all made quick work of popular transactions regarding people’s vehicles," he stated. He also thanked those who attended the event.

Wilcox announced plans to schedule two additional IPASS events in the 32nd District this fall, with details forthcoming.

New legislation changing the term “offender” to “justice-impacted individual” in state statutes (House Bill 4409) was signed into law last week. Senator Wilcox criticized this measure as indicative of misplaced priorities by majority party lawmakers concerning crime prevention and public safety. He highlighted a surge in crime rates under Governor J.B. Pritzker's administration, noting a nearly 60% increase in major crimes in Chicago since 2019 and an 18% rise since 2022.

"The legislation signed last week will do nothing to reduce crime in Illinois," Wilcox asserted, adding that it prioritizes criminals' rights over those of everyday citizens.

Several summer events are scheduled in the 32nd Senate District:

- August 17: District Office Open House at Wilcox Office, Woodstock

- September 11: Medicare 101 at Nippersink Public Library, Richmond

- September 19: Barks & Brews at Kishwaukee Brewing Company, Woodstock

- September 25: Conversations Untapped at Richmond Brathaus

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

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

Details about these events can be found on Senator Wilcox's website.

Significant changes to Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) took effect last week. Initially designed to protect residents' biometric data, BIPA led to substantial unintended consequences, including multi-billion-dollar damage awards. While Senator Wilcox voted against its original enactment, he supported Senate Bill 2979 as a positive step towards balancing privacy protection with reducing legal burdens on businesses.

"I believe lawmakers should work together to reform BIPA to ensure that it protects citizens’ privacy while also ensuring businesses aren’t overly vulnerable or exposed," said Wilcox. SB 2979 was signed into law on August 2.

The Illinois State Fair commenced on August 8 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by the Twilight Parade. Traditions include unveiling a butter cow sculpture made from approximately 500 pounds of unsalted butter. The Fair features themed days such as Agriculture Day and Kids Day and concerts by artists like Keith Urban and Lil Wayne. USAC and ARCA racing will occur during the final weekend.

A recent University of Illinois System study revealed that only about one-quarter of public-school students have returned to pre-pandemic academic levels in English language arts, with fewer achieving similar levels in math. Since the pandemic began, statewide enrollment has declined by nearly 60,000 students, alongside rising chronic absenteeism rates.

As federal relief funds expire this year, schools must seek alternative funding sources to maintain essential programs and address learning gaps caused by pandemic disruptions.

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