Senator Wilcox Welcomes Advocacy Groups to Springfield
Lobby days continue at the State Capitol, and last week Second Amendment supporters from across the state gathered in Springfield for Illinois Gun Owners Lobby Day (IGOLD). The group started their day at the Springfield Convention Center and then marched down Capitol Drive to the State Capitol, where they held an outdoor rally near the Abraham Lincoln statue.
Attacks by legislative Democrats on lawful gun owners continue in this state. This year, Democrats introduced legislation (House Bill 4045 and its companion, Senate Bill 2652) that would effectively ban the sale of certain handguns to civilians, making it a felony to manufacture, sell, or transfer pistols deemed “convertible.” However, these devices are already banned under both state and federal law. It is important to note that neither bill includes any language whatsoever to strengthen sentences for the criminals who use these types of guns for criminal purposes. Senate Republicans maintain that rather than continually going after lawful gun owners, legislators should be cracking down on the criminals who disregard and break the law.
I was also happy to welcome a group from AARP, which was in town to talk with legislators about issues of importance for older adults. We had a great conversation about their legislative priorities.
Pritzker’s Proposed Tax Hikes Threaten Illinois’ Families & Their Futures
With just two weeks to go before the legislature is set to adjourn, Governor JB Pritzker’s own budget team still projects a massive deficit. While the Governor is trying to blame it on President Donald Trump and the federal government, the reality is it’s the direct result of Governor Pritzker growing government spending nearly 40% since taking office.
Instead of cutting back, Democrats are now demanding $6 billion in new tax hikes, squeezing families even harder in a state that already has the highest tax burden in the nation. These tax hikes will gut family budgets.
While families stretch every dollar, Democrats want to spend more on programs like free healthcare for illegal immigrants and expect you to pick up the tab. Middle-class families, retirees, and family farmers will take the biggest hit under the Democrat tax hike plan, and some will be forced to make impossible decisions, like choosing between paying for daycare or keeping the lights on, between car repairs or a trip to the pharmacy.
My Senate Republican colleagues and I are fighting back for working families, because we know every dollar matters. It’s time Springfield stopped making your life harder.
2025 Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service Honors Illinois Heroes
Firefighters from across the state were honored at the 32nd Annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Firefighter Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony on May 13.
The Fallen Firefighter Memorial service was held at the Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the Illinois State Capitol to honor Illinois firefighters lost in the line of duty. Following the ceremony at the Capitol, the Medal of Honor Ceremony took place at the Bank of Springfield Convention Center.
The ceremonies brought scores of firefighters from across Illinois to Springfield to honor, recognize, and remember firefighters who dedicated their lives to protecting their communities. The event was a powerful reminder of the courage, selflessness, and dedication that these brave men and women demonstrate in their service to the people of Illinois.
$400 Million in State Funding Aims to Improve Transportation in Local Communities
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is making $400 million available to support local transportation projects across the state. The funding will help communities move forward with projects that improve roads, transit, and pedestrian access.
Cities, counties, and other local agencies can apply now for funding by submitting proposals through IDOT’s online form. Applications are due by June 1, 2025. Full details are outlined in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity.
To assist with the application process, IDOT is hosting Special Programs Assistance Conferences (SPAC) around Illinois. These events will provide guidance on available funding programs, including the Economic Development Program, the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), and Safe Routes to School. IDOT staff will also be available for one-on-one project consultations.
IDOT is also offering $33 million in funding through its Local Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). This program supports projects that reduce traffic injuries and fatalities, with a focus on rural roads and bike/pedestrian safety, helping advance the state’s Vision Zero goals.
More information on all programs, deadlines, and support resources can be found here.
Mark Your Calendars for Wilcox Outreach Events!
Don’t forget that this summer’s community outreach events kick off on Thursday, June 26, with an ICASH Unclaimed Property Event in Fox Lake. These ICASH events are incredibly popular, and my office’s running total for cash returned to constituents stands at $3,406,150.95! In most cases, the recipients didn’t even know they had cash or property waiting for them!
Please mark your calendars now for these upcoming events and visit the Events page of my website regularly to be kept up to date about events taking place near you.
- June 26: ICASH Unclaimed Property Event, Fox Lake Public Library, 255 East Grand Avenue, Fox Lake, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- July 15: Conversations Untapped, Spirit Water Brewery, Distillery, and Taproom, 3300 Three Oaks Road, Cary, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- July 23: Conversations Untapped, Rivalry Ale House, 945 Main Street, Antioch, IL, 5:30PM – 7:00PM
- August 16: Document Shredding Event, Office of State Rep. Steve Reick, 1072 Lake Avenue, Woodstock, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- October 14: Senior Resource Fair, Grand Oaks Recreation Center, 1401 IL-176, Crystal Lake, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
A Few Spots Left for Household Hazardous Waste Collection in Crystal Lake
Only a few spots are left! On June 7, 2025, Illinois residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste at Prairie Ridge High School, 6000 Dvorak Drive, Crystal Lake, IL. This free event runs from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM and is co-sponsored by McHenry County. Pre-registration is required, but spots are filling up quickly (click here to register). Bring items like oil-based paints, cleaners, pesticides, and more, but please leave latex paint, propane tanks, and business waste at home.
For safe transport, residents are asked to:
- Pack HHW items in a disposable box to prevent spills
- Keep “like” chemicals together and separate unlike chemicals
- Secure lids and check for leaks
- Place boxes in the empty trunk or storage area, away from passengers
- Remain in your vehicle — on-site staff will unload the materials
Click here to view a full list of items that will be accepted and not accepted at this event.