McHenry Times

Disgraced former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan began his prison sentence on October 13 after being convicted earlier this year on ten counts, including bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and other corruption charges linked to a scheme involving Commonwealth Edison. In June, Madigan was sentenced to seven and a half years in federal prison and fined $2.5 million. His attempt to remain out of prison during his appeal process was denied by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Despite Madigan’s conviction and sentencing, Illinois Republicans say Democrats have not advanced significant ethics reforms. Several Republican-backed bills remain pending in Springfield. These include measures that would expand definitions of bribery and legislative misconduct in response to the Supreme Court’s Snyder v. United States decision; prohibit employers from offering jobs or compensation to individuals barred by revolving door restrictions; ban lobbyists from promising anything of value in exchange for legislative support; prevent state employees from receiving private compensation for public work; require disclosure of family members working in government; and expand the state’s RICO law to cover additional misconduct offenses and allow related wiretaps.

Senator Craig Wilcox commented on the need for further legislative action: "Click here to view a short video where I share my thoughts on the issue and how the legislature can do better moving forward."

Lawmakers returned to Springfield this week for the first three days of the 2025 Fall Veto Session, with additional session days scheduled for later in October. During this period, legislators can reconsider bills vetoed by the Governor and address unresolved issues from the regular session. Topics expected for discussion include public transit funding and reforms, energy policy, and tax incentives for large-scale projects.

Senator Wilcox and his Republican colleagues are organizing their annual Veterans Day Wall of Honor display at the Statehouse from October 28 to November 13. The event invites Illinois families to submit photos and stories about their loved ones who served in the military for inclusion in an electronic memorial and a wall for messages of thanks. Submissions are due by October 24.

The Illinois Department of Revenue has issued a warning about a new nationwide text message scam that targets taxpayers with fraudulent messages claiming to be from state agencies and soliciting banking information under the pretense of processing tax refunds. The department advises that it primarily communicates through official mail or its secure online platform and urges taxpayers not to respond to unsolicited electronic messages requesting personal information.

On November 15, Senator Wilcox will partner with State Senator Darby Hills for a free Veterans Appreciation Luncheon & Expo in Lake Zurich, offering veterans and their families an opportunity to connect with resources and programs.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced updates to its Electric Vehicle Rebate Program following new legislation. Changes include broadening eligibility for low-income applicants and extending the application window from 90 to 180 days after vehicle purchase. The next application period runs from October 28, 2025, to January 31, 2026. Further details are available on the Illinois EPA’s Electric Vehicle Rebate Program webpage.

Wilcox, a Republican, was elected to the Illinois State Senate in 2018 to represent the state's 32nd Senate District.