McHenry Times

Illinois is facing a new federal lawsuit regarding its policy of providing state-funded financial aid and in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants. The challenge follows the recent signing of House Bill 460 by Governor JB Pritzker, which expands eligibility for state scholarships and grants to include undocumented students beginning next year.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice filed suit against Illinois, Governor Pritzker, and Attorney General Kwame Raoul. The department argues that the law violates federal statutes by granting benefits to individuals in the country illegally that are not equally available to U.S. citizens from other states. Federal officials claim this creates an unfair situation for out-of-state students who are legally present in the U.S., as they do not receive similar financial support from Illinois.

According to the lawsuit, Illinois’ approach conflicts with federal law and places additional costs on taxpayers while potentially encouraging more illegal immigration.

Senator Craig Wilcox commented on the matter: “This latest lawsuit is further proof that Governor Pritzker’s policies are putting the interests of those here illegally ahead of hardworking Illinois families. I believe taxpayer-funded financial aid should be reserved for U.S. citizens and legal residents, not used to create additional incentives for illegal immigration.”

In addition to legislative updates, Senator Wilcox announced upcoming outreach events aimed at constituents who have yet to switch their plastic IPASS transponders for new sticker technology. Two IPASS on Demand events will be held in Fox Lake and Lindenhurst. Attendees are advised to bring their current transponders and license plate numbers.

Other scheduled events include a Constituent Services Event with Cary Mayor Mark Kownick on September 23 at Cary Municipal Center; Medicare 101 on September 30 at Harrison School in Wonder Lake; and a Senior Resource Fair on October 14 at Grand Oaks Recreation Center in Crystal Lake.

Senator Wilcox also highlighted his support as co-sponsor of Senate Bill 2687, known as the Home Utility Relief Act. The proposed legislation aims to assist middle-class families coping with increased electricity rates by creating a Home Utility Rebate Program through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). Households earning between 100% and 500% of federal poverty guidelines would be eligible for rebates funded through a $500 million Home Utility Rebate Relief Fund during fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Any remaining funds could support certain first-time small business owners after qualifying households receive rebates.

“Families across the state are already struggling to keep up with the higher costs of living and are now being hit with soaring electricity bills,” Wilcox said. “Working and middle-class families often find themselves with no access to programs to help offset spiraling energy prices.”

Additionally, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has launched a Cemetery Relief Fund Grant Program intended to restore abandoned or neglected cemeteries throughout the state. Ten grants of up to $20,000 each will be awarded annually to eligible local governments or nonprofit organizations meeting specific criteria under state regulations.

Applications must be submitted by October 24, 2025, with virtual training resources made available via IDFPR’s YouTube page for prospective applicants seeking assistance with the process.

Wilcox was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois' 32nd Senate District in 2018, succeeding Pamela Althoff.

https://www.ilga.gov/senate/Senator.asp?GA=102&MemberID=2922

Questions about the cemetery grant program can be directed to Denise Bullocks, IDFPR Deputy Director of Cemetery and Funeral Oversight.