McHenry Times

Senate Transportation Committee Meets at ECC to Receive Kane/McHenry Input on Public Transit Plan

Senator Craig Wilcox, a member of the Senate Transportation Committee, reported that the committee has been conducting hearings in Cook County and across the collar counties to gather input on a proposal to reform the regional transit system into one organization with an 18-member board.

Last week, testimony was received from county board chairs, mayors, and other community leaders from Kane and McHenry Counties at Elgin Community College. "I appreciate the large turnout and valuable testimony provided by the local and county officials," said Wilcox. The hearings are ongoing, with two more scheduled in the coming weeks.

District 32 Outreach Events Continue into the Fall

With Labor Day behind us, Senator Wilcox announced upcoming free community outreach events in the 32nd District:

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

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

- September 25: Conversations Untapped at Richmond Brathaus (5:30 PM – 7:00 PM)

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

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

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

Tax Credits Available for Parents and Educators

The Illinois Department of Revenue is reminding eligible taxpayers that they may claim back-to-school expenses for their K-12 students on their 2024 individual income tax returns. The Illinois Education Expense Credit allows parents or legal guardians of full-time K-12 students under age 21 to take a 25% tax credit on qualified education expenses over $250, up to a maximum credit of $750. Eligible expenses include tuition, book rental, and lab fees paid to schools where students are enrolled full-time. Homeschooling families can also qualify for this credit.

Additionally, educators can benefit from the K-12 Instructional Materials and Supplies Tax Credit. Teachers and other school staff working at least 900 hours during the school year can claim up to $500 for out-of-pocket classroom material expenses. For educator spouses filing jointly, this amount doubles to $1,000.

Further information regarding both tax credits is available on IDOR’s website.

Illinois Supreme Court Upholds Ruling Blocking Law That Limits Candidate Slating

The Illinois Supreme Court recently upheld a lower court’s ruling blocking Senate Bill 2412—a law signed by Governor Pritzker in May aimed at halting candidate slating for ballot vacancies during the current election cycle. Senator Wilcox opposed this bill in the Senate.

Republican lawmakers criticized SB2412 as an attempt to benefit Democratic incumbents by reducing voter choice in upcoming elections. Despite petitions from Governor Pritzker’s legislative allies to revisit this ruling, the Supreme Court affirmed it as unconstitutional since it sought to alter election rules mid-cycle.

If enacted, SB2412 would have prevented numerous candidates from appearing on ballots for the November general election. Critics labeled it a power grab intended to advantage vulnerable incumbents. Following this ruling, candidates who met petition signature requirements by the deadline will be included on ballots for voter consideration.