Wilcox Thanks Constituents for Toys for Tots Donations
Once again, the residents of the 32nd District were very generous to the Toys for Tots campaign. As you know, my legislative office served as a drop-off location for donated toys for kids of all ages, and we were able to fill our bin! Representatives from the U.S. Marine Corps picked up our donations on Friday.
I’m sure you would agree that every child, regardless of their family’s financial situation, should have a gift to open over the holidays, and Toys for Tots has provided toys and other gifts to kids since 1947. The annual toy collection campaign is vital to the organization’s mission of spreading cheer and a message of hope to children in need.
Local collection campaigns are held annually in over 800 communities across all 50 states. Once all toys are collected from drop-off locations, coordinators, with the help of local social welfare agencies, church groups, and other community agencies, distribute toys to children who might otherwise have no gift to open during the holidays.
The Toys for Tots program began in 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks of the Marine Corps Reserve collected and distributed 5,000 toys to children in need in Los Angeles, California. The program was expanded nationwide the following year. Since its inception, Toys for Tots has delivered millions of toys, books, and other gifts to children.
Thanks again to all who donated generously to this year’s drive!
Remember to Shop Local This Holiday Season!
As you work through your Christmas shopping list, I want to encourage everyone to do their part to keep local economies strong and vibrant by shopping local. When you shop locally, you are infusing money right back into your community and supporting neighbors who own businesses and provide good jobs.
There are about 33.2 million small businesses in the United States, and they make up 99% of all businesses. For the last 20 years, small businesses have accounted for roughly 40% of our country’s gross domestic output (GDP), which translates to trillions of dollars in economic activity!
Check Road Conditions Ahead of Holiday Travel
Cold weather has certainly arrived, and with lower temperatures comes the possibility of snow. Please stay safe this winter and be sure to check road conditions before leaving home! Whether you’re heading out for daily errands, a weekend getaway, or visiting loved ones, checking winter road conditions can make all the difference. Stay up to date on road conditions and closures with the Illinois Winter Conditions map: https://www.gettingaroundillinois.com/winterconditions/.
The “Getting Around Illinois” website provides an overview of road conditions and closures and offers a search bar where a specific address can be entered. It’s also a good idea to have an emergency car kit in your vehicle. This kit should include jumper cables, blankets, an ice scraper, water, and a phone charger.
Please keep this web link handy as you travel over the next few months.
Simple Tips to Keep Your Holidays Bright and Your Energy Bills Low
Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, it’s time to bring on the holiday cheer with festive lights and decorations. Whether you prefer classic white lights or colorful displays, this cherished tradition adds warmth and joy—but it can also drive-up energy bills. Fortunately, a few simple tips can help you keep your spirits high and energy costs low.
Energy providers recommend using certified LED lights, which consume 75% less energy than incandescent lights, and considering energy-free decorations like wreaths and garlands. Smart plugs and thermostats can help minimize energy waste by controlling when lights are on and adjusting temperatures when you’re away.
Additionally, using appliances like air fryers or crockpots instead of the stove can lower energy consumption. As always, people are encouraged to inspect holiday lights for damage, avoid overloading circuits, and keep decorations away from heat sources to prevent fires.
By following these tips, you can keep the season merry, bright, and budget-friendly, all while focusing on what truly matters—spending time with loved ones.
Illinois Landed Among the Lower-Ranking States in Tax Competitiveness
A recent study by the Tax Foundation highlights Illinois’ challenges with tax competitiveness, ranking the state 37th overall in its State Tax Competitiveness Index. The annual report evaluates states across five tax categories, noting that states with poor rankings, like Illinois, often share high, complex, and non-neutral tax systems. In contrast, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Alaska rank highest, showcasing simpler, pro-growth tax policies.
Illinois’ high taxes are a direct result of actions taken by Governor Pritzker and his allies. As you know, Governor Pritzker recently signed into law a billion-dollar tax increase to fund his programs, which allocate a billion dollars per year for services for noncitizens.
ICC Winter Weather Rule in Effect through March 31
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is reminding consumers that Illinois’ winter weather rule is now in effect through March 31. The winter weather rule prohibits utilities from disconnecting eligible customers who use electric or gas as their primary source of home heating.
To protect Illinoisans during dangerous cold, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) participants; electric space heating customers; and military personnel and veterans cannot be disconnected if they fall behind on their utility bills.
To protect against disconnection, customers with past due balances should contact their utility to enroll in a Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA). If your electric or gas service has already been disconnected, contact your utility directly to see if you qualify for reconnection at less than the full amount owed.
Households struggling to pay their utility bills are encouraged to apply for LIHEAP annually with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. https://dceo.illinois.gov/comm…/utilitybillassistance.html
Ameren, Nicor, North Shore, and Peoples Gas natural gas customers who qualify for LIHEAP or whose incomes are at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty line are eligible for a monthly discount on their gas bills through the state’s new low-income discount rates.
Enrollment in the programs mentioned above is free of charge.
Contact the ICC’s Consumer Services Division at 1-800-524-0795 for further guidance or to file a complaint against your utility, and feel free to call my legislative office with questions or help with receiving benefits (815-455-6330).