McHenry Times

Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly used the recent fall veto session to advance several new and previously introduced bills, rather than focusing on the limited number of vetoed measures available for reconsideration. Only one vetoed bill was brought forward during the session. Lawmakers shifted their attention to other legislation, including a public transit bailout for Chicago, a tax plan called “decoupling” that raises taxes on businesses, an $8 billion energy rate hike, and a proposal to legalize physician-assisted suicide.

Senate Republicans voiced concerns about both the content and process of these legislative moves. They criticized Democrats for pushing significant policy changes with little debate or public input. "Using veto session to push through major policy changes in the middle of the night, with little public input or debate, is irresponsible and dangerous. These measures will have lasting and permanent consequences for families, businesses, and communities across Illinois," they stated.

The Senate will not reconvene until mid-January 2026 for its spring session.

Senator Craig Wilcox announced he is co-hosting a free Veterans Appreciation Luncheon & Expo with State Senator Darby Hills on November 15 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Lake Zurich. The event aims to honor veterans and provide information about programs and resources available to them. Veterans and their families are invited to attend; RSVPs are requested by email.

Wilcox also highlighted his support as a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 642, which seeks to expand property tax relief for senior citizens in Illinois. The bill would gradually raise the income limit for seniors eligible for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption from $75,000 in 2026 up to $79,000 by 2028. The measure passed unanimously in the Senate and awaits action from Governor Pritzker.

In addition, Wilcox’s Woodstock district office is serving as a collection point for this year’s Toys for Tots campaign through December 5. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off during office hours. The program distributes toys to children in need across local communities each holiday season.

On October 31, lawmakers voted on Senate Bill 1950, which would legalize physician-assisted suicide under certain conditions. The bill allows terminally ill adults with six months or less to live to request medication from physicians to end their lives voluntarily. Wilcox expressed reservations about patient protections within the bill: "For example, there is no requirement for a doctor or medical professional to be present when the medication is taken. That raises real concerns about safety and oversight at one of life’s most vulnerable moments." He also raised concerns about possible pressure on vulnerable patients and safety issues related to leftover medication.

"For me, true compassion means doing everything we can to care for people, to surround them with love and support, and to ensure they never feel their life is without value or meaning, no matter how difficult their circumstances may be," Wilcox said regarding his opposition.

The physician-assisted suicide proposal passed narrowly in the Senate with exactly 30 votes and now goes before Governor Pritzker for consideration within two months.

Wilcox also reminded constituents that open enrollment for Get Covered Illinois health insurance runs from November 1 through January 15. This year marks Illinois’ transition to a state-based marketplace at GetCoveredIllinois.gov where residents can apply directly online with increased support options available statewide.

Wilcox has represented Illinois’ 32nd Senate District since his election in 2018 as a Republican after succeeding Pamela Althoff.