Capitol Report from Senator Craig Wilcox

Senate Republicans Stand Firm Against Progressive Tax Hike

With the new General Assembly now underway, there are some Democrats who want to resurrect their effort to switch Illinois’s income tax system from a flat tax to a progressive tax. As you may recall, in 2020, voters from 101 of Illinois’ 102 counties (including McHenry and Lake) soundly rejected an attempt to adopt a progressive tax system.

Illinois’ flat tax is one good thing this state has going for it. A change to a progressive tax would increase taxes on many middle class families and on small and medium-sized businesses. Coupled with record-high inflation that is creating hardships for every Illinois family, I believe it’s the worst possible time to even consider this change.

Last week I signed on as a co-sponsor of Senate Resolution 27, which calls on the Illinois Senate to reject any progressive income tax measure that is introduced in the 103rd General Assembly. The voters already spoke on this issue, and they do not want a progressive tax system. I will abide by their wishes and oppose any attempt to remove our current flat tax system. Senate Resolution 27 was read into the official Senate record on January 25, and now awaits assignment to a Senate committee.

Still Time to Participate in Sen. Wicox’s “Valentines for Seniors” Program

Valentines are starting to come into my office, but we could still use a lot more for this year’s Valentines for Seniors program. Between now and February 7, my office is collecting cards, notes and drawings that will be distributed to local nursing homes, assisted living centers, and long-term care facilities in the 32nd District.

To ensure seniors know they are an important and valued part of the community, I’m hoping students from public and private schools, church groups, Scouting organizations and other groups will participate and create homemade cards that will be delivered to seniors on or before Valentine’s Day.

Last year we dropped off well-wishes to several different locations, and the seniors’ smiles were priceless. The cards really made the seniors feel appreciated.

Cards, poems, and other well-wishes will be collected between now and February 7 at my McHenry office, located at 5400 W. Elm Street, Suite 103. Those dropping off cards in person can place them in the valentine mailbox outside of the office between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cards can also be mailed.

Nominations for Senior Hall of Fame

The process to nominate someone for the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame is relatively easy. Nominators must submit an application with answers to five questions that detail the nominee’s contributions and provide a photo of the nominee. The pool of nominations will then be reduced to a list of 44 people. From this list, a panel of judges will select the final four to be added to the Hall of Fame. Generally, one person is chosen to represent each individual field, although occasionally more than four people are selected.

The Illinois Department on Aging is accepting nominations for 2023 inductees to the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame. This honor is open to adults ages 65 or older who excel in the categories of community service, education, performance and/or graphic arts, and the labor force. Each year, four people are added who have contributed greatly to these fields. The nominations are open until June 1, and anyone can nominate a candidate. Additional information on the process, the online nomination form, and a printable version of the nomination form is available on IDoA’s website.

Craig Wilcox

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