McHenry Times

Senator Craig Wilcox has launched a summer legislative survey to gather feedback from constituents on recent legislative decisions and unresolved issues in Springfield. The survey covers topics such as the budget, proposed tax increases, and illegal immigration. Constituents can access the survey online or obtain paper copies at Senator Wilcox's Woodstock office.

Governor JB Pritzker recently signed into law a record-breaking budget exceeding $55 billion, which includes nearly $1 billion in new taxes. This budget has faced criticism for its reliance on one-time revenue sources and increased financial burdens on families and businesses. Senate Republicans opposed the plan due to concerns about spending priorities and transparency.

Republicans have called for Governor Pritzker to veto Senate Bill 328, arguing it benefits trial lawyers at the expense of economic growth. A lawsuit was filed challenging the bill's passage process, citing violations of the Illinois Constitution’s Three Readings Rule. The legislation allows lawsuits against out-of-state businesses in Illinois courts for incidents unrelated to the state.

Senator Wilcox will host an ICASH Unclaimed Property Event in Fox Lake on June 26, aiming to return unclaimed funds to constituents. Other upcoming events include Conversations Untapped sessions and a Document Shredding Event.

The U.S. Department of Justice has opposed Illinois' 2023 ban on over 170 semi-automatic firearms, stating it violates Second Amendment rights. A federal judge ruled the law unconstitutional, with Illinois appealing to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Thirty-five Illinois State’s Attorneys have also urged striking down the ban.