McHenry Times

State government spending in Illinois has increased by 40% under Governor JB Pritzker, according to State Senator Craig Wilcox. The senator criticized the governor for attributing budget issues to federal policy, stating, "While Pritzker seeks to blame Washington, I believe the problem lies with state spending. Earlier this year, Governor Pritzker signed a budget totaling more than $55 billion and added over $1 billion in new taxes and revenue gimmicks on the backs of Illinois taxpayers and businesses."

Wilcox highlighted additional proposals from the governor’s administration that would have introduced new costs for residents. These included a proposed $1.50 delivery tax on packages, service taxes affecting haircuts, car repairs, home maintenance, and a digital advertising tax targeting small businesses.

The senator expressed concern about the expansion of state payrolls and programs while noting that private-sector job growth continues to lag behind neighboring states. He stated, "Illinois’ record revenues underscore that the state does not have a revenue problem but a spending problem. Families are forced to live within their means every day, but Springfield continues to grow government faster than taxpayers can keep up."

Wilcox also addressed local events in his district. A recent Constituent Services Event in Cary saw participation from over 100 people who met with him and Cary Mayor Mark Kownick. Attendees accessed services such as checking unclaimed property databases and updating IPASS transponders.

Upcoming events organized by Wilcox include a Medicare 101 seminar on September 30 at Harrison School in Wonder Lake from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM and a Senior Resource Fair on October 14 at Grand Oaks Recreation Center in Crystal Lake from 10:00 AM to noon. He encouraged residents to check his website regularly for updates on future events.

In education news, Illinois officials are launching an eight-stop listening tour starting in October as part of efforts to improve student math performance through a “Comprehensive Numeracy Plan.” The first session is set for October 16 at the State Board of Education’s Springfield office with other sessions scheduled across various cities including Naperville, Rockford, Champaign, Edwardsville, Carbondale, Chicago and one virtual meeting. The final plan will be presented by June 2026.

Recent testing data indicate reading scores for grades three through eight have returned to pre-pandemic levels following adoption of a Comprehensive Literacy Plan; however, math scores remain below those seen before COVID-19 school closures.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is asking residents for help monitoring the spread of the invasive spotted lanternfly—a pest first confirmed in Illinois in 2023—which threatens grapevines, fruit trees and maples but poses no direct risk to people or animals. Officials urge residents finding these insects or their egg masses—often located in backyards or gardens—to email photos and locations to lanternfly@illinois.edu so experts can track infestations.

The department recommends checking outdoor items such as vehicles or firewood before travel and destroying any discovered pests or eggs. Community involvement is considered essential for limiting further spread of this insect.

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