McHenry Times

Illinois drivers will soon have the option to choose between a four-year or eight-year driver’s license, thanks to new legislation recently signed into law. Senator Craig Wilcox expressed his support for this bill.

Senate Bill 275 mandates that the Secretary of State establish rules for this process by January 1, 2027, with the new options available to motorists by July 1 of that year. The change aims to reduce the frequency of visits to the DMV, offering convenience to drivers and aligning Illinois with other states that already offer longer license validity periods. The cost for an eight-year license will be $60, double the cost of a four-year license.

"This new law is expected to ease the challenges motorists face when scheduling appointments at driver services facilities," said Wilcox. "Providing greater flexibility and reducing wait times."

District 32 Outreach Events Continue into the Fall

The events calendar for District 32 includes:

- September 11: Medicare 101 at Nippersink Public Library, Richmond, from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

- September 19: Barks & Brews in cooperation with K9s4U at Kishwaukee Brewing Company, Woodstock, from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

- September 25: Conversations Untapped at Richmond Brathaus, Richmond, from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

- October 2: Conversations Untapped at The Grove Pub and Grill, Spring Grove, from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

- October 15: Senior Health Fair at Crystal Lake Park District Grand Oaks Building, Crystal Lake, from 10:00 AM –12:00 PM

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

New Law Signed to Increase Transparency in Local Government

Another measure supported by Senator Wilcox was recently signed into law to enhance transparency and public access regarding proposed tax levy changes by local governments.

Senate Bill 3567 amends Illinois’ Truth in Taxation law to require taxing bodies to prominently display notices on or near the top of their websites for a minimum of thirty days. Under existing law, taxing bodies must publicly disclose their intention to raise their tax levy by more than five percent. The new requirement adds online visibility in addition to publishing these notices in local newspapers.

"The dual approach is designed to maximize the reach and effectiveness of public disclosures," said Wilcox. "Providing residents with multiple opportunities to stay informed about potential increases in their property taxes."

Small Businesses Losing Money as Revised Unemployment Numbers Underscore Challenging Economy for Illinois Families

The U.S. economy is showing signs of strain with new data revealing fewer jobs added in late-2023 and early-2024 than originally reported. The U.S. Department of Labor’s revisions cut job growth estimates by twenty-eight percent while July numbers show Illinois tied for the second-highest unemployment rate in the nation. Small businesses are struggling more than ever due to additional challenges posed by recent tax hikes.

Recent data shows that job growth across the country hasn’t been as strong as initially reported. On August 21st, revised job numbers revealed around eight hundred eighteen thousand fewer jobs were created during the past year than originally thought.

In Illinois specifically, unemployment jumped to five-point-two percent in July—tied for second-worst nationally—leaving over three hundred forty-one thousand people seeking work.

A survey by Alignable found fifty-eight percent of small businesses are making less money than last year—a seven percent increase from last month’s figures. Compounding this issue are nearly one billion dollars in new tax hikes signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker.

Across various industries like manufacturing and real estate nationwide seventy-three percent report earning less compared with last year; over eighty percent see significant revenue drops making it difficult times universally among job creators everywhere.

"I voted against Governor Pritzker’s recent tax hikes," said Wilcox warning they would hamper job growth while raising costs statewide adding he believes such measures drive both people along with businesses out-of-state leaving many families uncertain about future prospects amid fragile economic conditions.

___