Remembering Former-Governor Jim Edgar
Jim Edgar, 38th Governor of Illinois from 1991-1999, died on September 14, 2025, after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. I recently had the privilege of being part of his 2025 Edgar Fellow leadership program, and it was an honor to participate in the program that stresses civility in the lawmaking process.
Edgar, 79, was a titan of Illinois and Republican politics who dedicated his life to public service. He is heralded for many notable achievements. Tackling the state budget deficit, reforms in education, welfare, child protection, and strong leadership during the Great Flood of 1993 are part of his enduring public service legacy.
Beginning as a legislative intern for the Illinois General Assembly, Edgar worked his way through the state government as an Illinois State Representative and Illinois Secretary of State prior to becoming Governor in 1990.
Visitation services honoring the former governor were held on Friday, September 19, at the Illinois State Capitol, followed by memorial services on Saturday.
Fall Events in Full Swing in 32nd District
We had a record turnout last week for my IPASS on Demand event at the Lake Villa Library. Over 250 people came through and switched out their plastic IPASS transponders for the new sticker technology.
Since there is still a need for that kind of event in this region, I will be scheduling more of them in the future. When they are scheduled they will be promoted in newsletters and on the Events page of my website.
Other upcoming events include:
- September 23: Constituent Services Event with Senator Wilcox and Cary Mayor Mark Kownick, Cary Municipal Center, 755 Georgetown Drive, Cary, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- September 30: Medicare 101, Harrison School (Use Entrance #1), 6809 McCullom Lake Rd, Wonder Lake, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- October 14: Senior Resource Fair, Grand Oaks Recreation Center, 1401 IL-176, Crystal Lake, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
New events are added regularly, so please visit the Events page of my website regularly to be kept up to date about events taking place near you.
Legislation Introduced to Establish “Charlie Kirk Day” in Illinois
Following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Senate Republicans are pushing legislation to honor the life and legacy of the Turning Point USA founder.
Senate Bill 2694 would amend the State Commemorative Dates Act to recognize September 10 each year as “Charlie Kirk Day” in Illinois.
Kirk was shot on September 10, 2025, as he was preparing to address a crowd of college students at Utah Valley University. In the days after, Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old from Utah, was caught and charged for his murder.
By establishing a day of recognition, Illinoisans will have a chance each year to reflect on Kirk’s values, his contributions to public discourse, and the continuing importance of protecting our constitutional rights.
SB 2694 is now filed with the Illinois General Assembly and awaits committee assignment.
Harvest Season Safety: Watch for Farm Equipment and Fire Risks
As harvest season moves into full swing, farmers across Illinois are back in the fields working long hours to bring in their crops. With more large equipment on the move, drivers are reminded to use extra caution on rural roads. Slow-moving tractors and combines are common this time of year, and a little patience goes a long way in keeping everyone safe.
According to a University of Illinois-Chicago study, from 2018 to 2023, an average of nearly 530 crashes per year involving agricultural vehicles were reported as taking place on Illinois roadways.
Harvest season is a time to recognize the hard work of our farmers, but also a moment to increase caution on rural roads. I would urge motorists to slow down, give large equipment plenty of space, and for farmers to use visible lights and signals so everyone can stay safe during this harvest season.
Limited Time, Eliminate Tax Debt and Pay Zero Interest
The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is offering Illinois taxpayers reprieve this fall.
Those with outstanding tax liabilities from qualifying dates will get late penalties and interest forgiven. Penalties and interest on unpaid taxes from the period between June 30, 2018, and July 1, 2024, are eligible for the amnesty.
Eligible tax liabilities and returns must be paid and filed in full between October 1 and November 17 to qualify for the waiver of penalty and interest. IDOR does not collect property taxes. Estate, franchise, and insurance taxes also do not fall under IDOR and do not qualify for forgiveness. Illinois taxpayers have the right to appeal IDOR decisions.
IDOR’s last tax amnesty was in October and November of 2019. No future amnesty periods are currently planned in the Illinois Tax Delinquency Amnesty Act. Amendments to the act with additional dates require action from the Illinois General Assembly.
Visit tax.illinois.gov/taxamnesty for full instructions and further resources.