The Senate is back in session this week in Springfield, ready to tackle a busy agenda as lawmakers push forward with critical legislative work. This week, we are focused on advancing legislation with an important deadline looming on Friday, April 11, when most Senate bills must receive an up or down vote on the Senate floor to remain viable for the spring session.
After April 11, the legislature will take a two-week spring break. When we return in late April, the Senate will begin considering House Bills that have passed, while House members will start reviewing successful Senate Bills.
Although most bills must meet the April 11 deadline, appropriations bills are an exception. These bills are not bound by the same timeline and can be handled separately, often extending past the usual deadlines to accommodate the complex process of funding state programs.
Committees will continue to be active, as they remain engaged with ongoing bill amendments and revisions.
With hard work and collaboration, my colleagues and I are making strides toward shaping the state’s legislative priorities for the year ahead.
I-PASS On Demand: Fast-Track Your Toll Access at McHenry Event on April 16
Later this month, State Representative Steve Reick and I are teaming up with the Illinois Tollway to help motorists switch to the new sticker I-PASS tags, which are replacing the traditional plastic transponders. This event will take place on April 16 in McHenry.
The I-PASS on Demand event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at McHenry City Hall, located at 333 S. Green Street. Participants are asked to bring both their driver’s license and license plate numbers to present to Illinois Tollway staff. Attendees should also be prepared for brief wait times.
Illinois Tollway representatives will assist in transferring to the new sticker technology without affecting users’ I-PASS account activity. They will also be available to answer any questions regarding I-PASS accounts or “Pay by Plate” issues.
Once activated, the new Sticker Tag can be used on Illinois Tollways as well as E-ZPass roadways in other states within 24 hours. There is no deposit required for the Sticker Tag, and the $10 transponder deposit will be credited to the new account upon activation. For more details on this event, please visit the Illinois Tollway website.
Senate Republicans Sponsor Legislation to Combat Human Trafficking
I am a staunch advocate for closing loopholes in Illinois law to ensure that traffickers and those who exploit others — particularly children — face real and lasting consequences. As a co-sponsor and supporter of Senate Bill 267, I believe that those who profit from the abuse and exploitation of vulnerable individuals must be held accountable.
Currently, under Illinois law, those who traffic children or coerce adults into sex work are not automatically required to register as sex offenders. Senate Bill 267 aims to close this critical loophole by requiring individuals who force others into sex work or exploit them for pornography to register as sex offenders. This measure ensures that traffickers and facilitators are not only held responsible for their crimes but are also prevented from reoffending in the future.
I have made it clear that more must be done to close legal gaps and protect those at risk, especially children who are far too often targeted by these heinous crimes. As the fight against human trafficking continues, I remain committed to advocating for legislation that will provide greater protections for vulnerable Illinoisans and ensure that justice is served.
Remember to Submit Your Essay for the My Inspirational Teacher Contest Soon
As a reminder, I am actively working to honor and celebrate our incredible educators during Illinois’ Teacher Appreciation Week, which takes place from May 5-9. To make sure our teachers truly feel appreciated, I am hosting my second annual My Inspirational Teacher Essay Contest for students in grades 6-8 within the 32nd Senate District.
This contest provides students with the chance to highlight a teacher who has made a meaningful impact in their lives. Students are asked to write a 250-500-word essay about the teacher who has inspired them the most on their educational journey.
Essays should describe specific actions that the teacher took to make a positive difference, along with how those actions influenced the student’s experience in school. Every entry must include the student’s name, school, and grade, as well as the teacher’s name, school, and subject taught. A panel of education leaders will evaluate the submissions based on persuasiveness, grammar and spelling, and how well the essay follows the guidelines.
There will be several winners, with the grand prize essay being showcased on my legislative website (SenatorWilcox.com), and excerpts from all winning essays will be displayed for a week in the State Capitol rotunda in Springfield.
Important Details:
Eligible Participants: Students in Grades 6-8
Essay Theme: “How My Teacher Inspires Me”
Entry Deadline: April 25, 2025
Winners Notified: By email
This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the teachers who have made a difference. Please don’t miss out on this chance to participate and celebrate our educators!
The 32nd Senate District includes all or parts of the following communities: Antioch, Bull Valley, Cary, Crystal Lake, Fox Lake, Island Lake, Johnsburg, Lake Villa, Lakemoor, Lakewood, Lindenhurst, McCullom Lake, McHenry, Oakwood Hills, Port Barrington, Prairie Grove, Richmond, Ringwood, Round Lake Beach, Spring Grove, Trout Valley, Volo, Woodstock, and Wonder Lake.