Legislators Return to Springfield for Lame Duck Session
Illinois lawmakers are in Springfield from Saturday, January 4 through Tuesday, January 7 for a “lame-duck session” to tackle the remaining business of the 103rd General Assembly.
In years when they occur, lame-duck sessions are held after the election and the Fall Veto Session, and before newly elected lawmakers are sworn into office. In my opinion, it’s widely seen as a time when outgoing legislators may be more likely to vote in favor of controversial legislation without fear of political repercussions. We see some of the worst legislation during lame duck sessions.
The most recent lame-duck session took place in January 2023 and saw the passage of a weapons ban and an expansion of abortion services. The 2021 lame-duck session led to the passage of the controversial SAFE-T Act. Back in 2011, the lame-duck session led to the passage of a 67% increase in the state’s income tax.
Senator Wilcox’s Valentines for Seniors Event Underway
With Valentine’s Day just weeks away, I am launching my 5th annual “Valentines for Seniors” card drive throughout the 332nd District. Last year we collected thousands of cards and I hope to have an even greater response this year.
To brighten the days of seniors and ensure they know they are a valued part of the community, I am asking students from public and private schools, church groups, scouting organizations, and other groups to create homemade cards and drawings that will be delivered to assisted living centers, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities across the 32ndSenate District during the week of Valentine’s Day.
Cards and drawings can be mailed to or dropped off at my Woodstock office between now and February 7. My office staff and I will personally deliver the cards and drawings on your behalf the week of Valentines Day.
Valentines can be dropped off between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday, or mailed to:
Senator Wilcox’s Legislative Office
209 N. Benton Street
Woodstock, IL 60098
If you are interested in participating or have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Kim at kjohnson@sgop.ilga.gov.
Loneliness can be a real issue for the elderly, so it’s nice to bring them some joy so they know we’re thinking of them. Let’s all do our part to make sure this area’s seniors feel appreciated!
New General Assembly A Time to Welcome Opportunities
The 104th General Assembly will convene on January 8. The convening of a new two-year General Assembly is a time for lawmakers to renew their commitment to finding solutions for current challenges and embrace new opportunities for Illinois. The state faces significant challenges, making it critical for Senate members to focus on responsible solutions that are in the best interest of Illinois families.
The Illinois state budget faces a projected deficit of more than $3 billion in the next fiscal year, due in part to a significant increase in state spending fueled by legislative Democrats. Spending growth has been further driven by Governor JB Pritzker’s initiatives, including programs for migrants and illegal immigrants, such as free healthcare, which cost Illinois taxpayers over $1 billion annually. To support these programs, the Governor recently enacted $1 billion in tax increases.
I am urging Governor Pritzker to balance the upcoming budget without raising taxes, as struggling Illinoisans cannot afford to cover the cost of the Governor’s self-made budget crisis.
Senator Wilcox is Hiring!
Last week we bid a fond farewell to my traveling legislative assistant Jason. His work in Springfield on session days and in the district office on non-session days has been extremely valuable. With his departure, I am now seeking to fill the position with an organized individual who is interested in assisting me in a variety of ways. This person must be willing to travel to Springfield during session weeks. A typical session year includes between 50 and 60 overnights in Springfield.
On session days (January – May and two weeks of veto session in the fall), this employee will work out of my Springfield office and provide administrative support unique to the legislative process. When the legislature is not in session, the legislative assistant will work out of the Woodstock legislative office and provide similar support in collaboration with my district office director.
If you are interested in gaining some public sector work experience and learning about public policy creation and constituent service delivery, please put your resume together and contact my office at (815) 455-6330 so you can learn more about this employment opportunity.
Unemployment Numbers Troublesome
The end of 2024 brought little relief for Illinois workers, with unemployment remaining stubbornly high at levels well above the national average.
State reports showed Illinois companies announced 1,176 layoffs in November. October’s unemployment rate of 5.3% was the third highest in the nation, with job reports indicating an estimated 346,000 Illinoisans were seeking work. Meanwhile, Illinois ranked 37th in the nation for business tax climate, according to the Tax Foundation’s 2024 State Business Tax Climate report.
Fiscal responsibility, balanced budgets, and common-sense economic growth initiatives are opportunities that could help boost jobs and restore prosperity to Illinois communities.