Big Changes at the DMV
On Friday, September 1, all Secretary of State Driver Services Facilities (DMV) adopted new hours of operations, and many are moving to appointment-only for select services.
As of September 1, all DMVs are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Only 16 facilities across the state will be open on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The closest DMV facilities in this area with Saturday hours are Naperville, Lombard, Schaumburg, and West Chicago (CDL licenses only in West Chicago).
Additionally, appointments are now required for driver services at all DMVs in this area, including the issuance or renewal of driver’s licenses/State ID cards, REAL IDs, and in-car driving tests. Vehicle-related services, such as titles, registrations, or license plate renewals, do not require an appointment. Appointments can be made by visiting ILSOS.gov, or by calling (844) 817-4649.
Please visit ILSenateGOP.org/DMVchanges for more information and to view a full list of appointment-only facilities and a list of DMV sites that have Saturday hours.
Record Turnout for Second Annual Barks & Brews
Thank you to everyone who came out to my Second Annual Barks & Brews event last week at Kishwaukee Brewing in Woodstock. Attendance exceeded all expectations! Helping Paws Animal Shelter brought four dogs to the event that were available for adoption, and each one stole the show! I have no doubt that Archie, Albie, Polly, and Walzer will soon be in their forever homes. It was one of my most successful outreach events ever, so thanks to everyone who helped make it happen!
Madigan Ally Found Guilty of Perjury, Obstruction of Justice
On August 24, Tim Mapes, often referred to as the gatekeeper to former House Speaker Mike Madigan, was found guilty in Federal Court of lying to a federal grand jury and obstructing the federal investigation into his former boss.
Jurors deliberated for five hours before bringing forth a “guilty on all charges” verdict. Mapes could face up to 25 years in prison for his crimes and will be sentenced in January. Madigan goes on trial for a long list of charges that include racketeering, bribery, wire fraud, and attempted extortion in April 2024.
I will continue to advocate and push for measures that bring about meaningful ethics reform to root out political corruption in Illinois, and believe this case is just another example of why reforms are needed.
Wilcox Launches Conversations Untapped Tour in September/October
I will be hosting a series of three Conversations Untapped events throughout the 32nd District this September and October. The first event is scheduled for Thursday, September 14 in Cary.
Thursday, September 14
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Cary Ale House & Brewing Company
208 W Main St, Cary, IL 60013
These events are very informal, and I want to provide the residents of the 32nd Senate District the chance to come out and meet with their Senator and talk casually about the issues that matter to them.
Additional Conversations Untapped events are scheduled for:
Tuesday, October 10
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Timothy O’Toole’s Pub
10 W Grand Ave, Lake Villa, IL 60046
Thursday, October 12
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Rivalry Alehouse
945 Main St, Antioch, IL 60002
Other upcoming community outreach events in the 32nd District include:
- September 19, Virtual Student Financial Aid Information Meeting: 6:00 PM-7:00 PM, online, to receive the webinar link, please RSVP to Lori at lyates@sgop.ilga.gov
- October 17, Senior Fair: 10:00 AM-12:00 Noon, Grand Oaks Recreation Center, 1401 IL Route 176, Crystal Lake
For additional information about these events, please call the Wilcox legislative office at (815) 455-6330, or email Lori at lyates@sgop.ilga.gov.
Mental Health Grant Program for Rural Farmers Expanded
Following the great success of a six-county pilot program in Fiscal Year 2023, a state grant program that provides funding for mental health services for farmers has now been expanded to all 102 counties in Illinois. Through the Farm Family Resource Initiative (FFRI), farmers and farm families can access a telehealth helpline and access six free telehealth mental health sessions.
The program is also funding up to 20 grants of $1,000 each to support Illinois FFA chapters that put local initiatives in place that encourage access and increase awareness of mental health resources and overall personal wellness. Schools will be able to apply for these grants in the fall of 2023.
The funding for the program was obtained from a grant application to the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Farmer Assistance Helpline is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week at 1-833-FARM-SOS.