Over $312 Million in Major Road and Bridge Investments Coming to the 32nd District
The 32nd Senate District will see significant transportation investments from 2026 through 2031 from Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) Multi-Year Program.
A total of $299.2 million in funding has been set aside for state highway projects in the 32nd District, and an additional $12.9 million has been earmarked for local highway projects. These improvements will make travel safer, strengthen local infrastructure, and support our communities for years to come. These investments are an important win for families, farmers, and businesses that depend on reliable and safe roads.
You can view a full list of projects included in IDOT’s six-year Highway Improvement Program for the 32nd District by clicking here. Additionally, you can view the 223 local community-driven infrastructure projects, totaling more than $400 million, here.
LIHEAP Application Portal Open
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides one-time benefits to income-eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service. The portal for this winter opened on October 1. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through August 15, 2026, or until funding is exhausted, so please do not delay!
Propane customers who are part of the priority group are encouraged to apply ASAP. Propane prices typically increase during the winter months so by applying early, propane customers will see their LIHEAP benefit go further.
To complete an application, you must submit all documentation required:
- Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.
- For all customers new to LIHEAP, and/or for new household members of previous customers, proof of Social Security numbers (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members. Individuals without a SSN or ITIN may still apply.
- A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.
- A copy of rental agreement (if renting) showing that utilities are included (heat and/or electric), the monthly rental amount and landlord contact, for a potential direct cash benefit.
- Other documents may be needed based on your household situation. If you have questions regarding this, please call our office.
The program began taking applications on October 1, 2025, for older adults (60 years +), individuals with a disability, families with children 5 years and younger, and households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank. All other income-eligible households can start applying November 1, 2025. Beginning January 1, 2026, income-eligible LIHEAP customers of ComEd will receive a monthly discount on their electric bill through the new Low Income Discount Rates. Visit powerbilldiscount.com for more details.
Households that receive a one-time benefit may return during the program year if they become disconnected or get a disconnect notice. Homeowners who have a non-working heating system may be eligible for free repairs.
The program has expanded eligibility this year. Households must be at or below 60% of the state median income to receive a benefit from LIHEAP. The 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP are based on State Median Income, Federal Poverty Guidelines, and the number of persons living in the household. The household income guidelines are as follows: 1- $3,332, 2- $4,357, 3- $5,382, 4- $6,407. Go to liheapillinois.com to find income limits for households with 5 members and more.
Wilcox to Co-Host Senior Fair in Crystal Lake on October 14
I want to thank everyone who came out to the Medicare 101 Seminar I co-hosted with Senator Dave Syverson last week in Wonder Lake. Nearly 100 people attended and learned all about the federal Medicare System and how to ensure proper coverage while minimizing out-of-pocket costs.
My next outreach event will take place on October 14, when I partner with Senator Don DeWitte and dozens of agencies and non-profit organizations that cater to the needs of older Illinoisans for a comprehensive senior fair. Please mark your calendar now for this annual free event:
- October 14: Senior Fair in Crystal Lake, Grand Oaks Recreation Building 1401 IL-176, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
My staff and I are already planning our outreach events calendar for 2026, so please visit the Events page of my website regularly to be kept up to date about events taking place near you.
Wilcox to Partner with Senator Hills for FREE Veterans Appreciation Lunch & Expo
Each November, we pause to honor all veterans who served their country in defense of the freedoms we all enjoy. This year I am partnering with State Senator Darby Hills for a FREE Veterans Appreciation Luncheon & Expo to express our gratitude and support of these brave men and women.
Veterans Appreciation Luncheon & Expo
Saturday, November 15
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Knights of Columbus Hall
365 Surryse Road, Suite 280
Lake Zurich, IL
Veterans and their families can attend a complimentary luncheon and Expo to honor their service. The Expo will provide a reliable place where area veterans and their families can make connections and receive information about many different types of veterans’ programs and resources.
If you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran, I sincerely hope you will join us for this event.
Fall in Illinois Means Pumpkins
If you’re planning to carve a jack-o’-lantern for Halloween, sip a pumpkin spice latte, or bake a pie for your Thanksgiving table, chances are your pumpkin had its start right here in Illinois.
Illinois continues to lead the nation in pumpkin production, and according to the USDA, farmers harvested a little over 485 million pounds of pumpkins in 2024. The Illinois Farm Bureau notes that the state grows more pumpkins than anywhere else in the world, with 90 to 95 percent of pumpkins used for processing grown here.
Much of that work happens in Morton, Illinois, known as the Pumpkin Capital of the World, where over 85 percent of the world’s canned pumpkin is processed.
This year’s harvest began at the end of August and will continue through early November, filling farms, fields, and patches with pumpkins to be picked and enjoyed.
Be sure to stop by your local pumpkin patch and grab a pumpkin or two to celebrate the spooky season. To find a local pumpkin patch near you, check out Enjoy Illinois’ guide to the state’s best pumpkin patches.
Illinois Archery Deer Season 2025–2026
The Illinois Archery Deer Season began on October 1. For counties that do not have a firearm season, including Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Kane County east of Illinois Route 47, the archery season will run continuously from October 1 through January 18. In counties with firearm deer season and west of Illinois Route 47 in Kane County, the archery season will be divided into three periods: from October 1 to November 20, November 24 to December 3, and December 8 through January 18.
The harvest limits allow one deer per archer and a maximum of two antlered deer per year across all seasons (youth, archery, muzzleloader, and firearm), except during the special Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) season. Deer seasons are counted within the same 12-month period starting from July 1. Hunters should check Hunt Illinois for site-specific regulations, as some public sites may have rules that are more restrictive than state or county regulations.
In Illinois, tree stands are the leading cause of hunting-related accidents, so the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) strongly recommends that hunters review safe tree stand practices before heading out. For additional guidance, hunters can consult the 2025–2026 Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations and view the annual deer harvest report.
For more information about the archery deer season, contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at 217-782-6302 or email dnr.hunting@illinois.gov.