Legislators to Return to Springfield for 2026 Session
Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed the holiday season and are looking forward to a great 2026!
Legislators return to Springfield later this month for the start of the 2026 regular session. The Senate returns on Tuesday, January 13 and the House returns the following week on Tuesday, January 20.
While the Senate and House have many weeks where session days overlap, the calendars do differ. Links to the calendars can be found below:
I am in the process of finalizing my legislative agenda for the year, and the first key date on the legislative calendar is Friday, February 6, the date by which all substantive bills must be introduced in the Senate or House. I welcome ideas for beneficial legislation. Please reach out if you have an issue you believe would benefit from a legislative remedy.
Senator Craig Wilcox Launches 6th Annual “Valentines for Seniors” Card Drive
With Valentine’s Day just weeks away, I am launching my 6th annual “Valentines for Seniors” card drive. To brighten the days of seniors and ensure they know they are respected and valued, 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 32nd Senate District during the week of Valentine’s Day.
This heartwarming project grows in popularity every year and I cannot wait to see how many cards and drawings we receive from the generous people of the 32nd District this year. Last year we delivered thousands of cards and drawings to appreciative seniors, and I hope to deliver even more well-wishes this year.
Cards and drawings can be dropped off or mailed between now and February 6 at my Woodstock office from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Those who cannot drop off cards while the office is open or mail them should call the office at (815) 455-6330 to make arrangements for them to be picked up.
Senator Wilcox’s Office
209 North Benton Street
Woodstock, IL 60098
For additional information about this program, please contact Abby at amccarthy@sgop.ilga.gov, or call my office at (815) 455-6330.
Shaw Media/Northwest Herald Publishes Wilcox Opinion Piece on New Years Wishes for Illinois
I want to thank Shaw Media and the Northwest Herald for publishing an opinion piece I recently wrote that lays out my New Year’s Wish List for the State of Illinois.
Here’s a copy of the op ed:
A New Year’s Wish List for a Stronger Illinois
As Illinois turns the page to a new year, we are presented with a fresh opportunity to recalibrate our priorities and recommit to the principles that make our state safe, stable, and prosperous. My wish list for 2026 is rooted in a simple idea: Illinois should put its own citizens first and refocus efforts toward responsible leadership and prudent stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
First and foremost, Illinois must restore a sense of fiscal responsibility. Decades of overspending, misplaced priorities, and short-sighted budgeting have left our state burdened with debt and taxpayers stretched thin. A new year gives us a chance to take an honest look at how we allocate resources. Every dollar should be measured against a clear question of whether the proposed spending improve the lives of Illinois citizens. Too often the answer has been no, as funds are diverted toward expansive programs that serve non-citizens and a liberal agenda, while critical services for taxpayers, especially those who have worked, served, and sacrificed for this state, struggle to stay afloat. It’s time to reverse that imbalance.
Public safety also belongs at the top of our priority list. The men and women in blue who protect our communities deserve not only our gratitude, but the tools, staffing, and support necessary to do their jobs effectively. Restoring respect for law enforcement and ensuring that state policy strengthens rather than undermines their mission is essential if we want safer streets and stronger neighborhoods.
Hand in hand with public safety is renewed cooperation and coordination between state and local governments and federal immigration authorities. Illinois cannot remain an outlier on this issue. Meaningful collaboration with ICE helps ensure that dangerous criminals are not released back into our communities and that our immigration laws are enforced consistently and responsibly. This is not about politics. It is about safety, common sense, and removing criminal illegal immigrants from our state and country.
The Majority Party in Illinois has forgotten that the primary purpose of state government is to take care of citizens who otherwise cannot take care of themselves. This includes seniors, veterans, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The legislature must stop short-changing programs and services for these vulnerable populations and redirect state resources toward the state’s primary mission of providing for those who need help the most.
A new year brings new hope. Let’s make the changes Illinois citizens have long been asking for, and that begins with responsible spending, safer communities, and a renewed commitment to the citizens who call this state home.
RTA Online Fare Portal Updated
The RTA just launched an updated version of its Online Fare Portal with new features to streamline rider applications. Highlights include:
- Riders can switch between fare programs (e.g. eligible Reduced Fare riders can now switch to Ride Free without having to start a new application)
- Riders can check the status of their application or replacement card online
- Riders can update personal information directly on the portal, rather than seeking assistance from your office or the RTA helpline
- Riders may opt-in to electronic communications regarding their account, allowing them to receive notifications about an application or renewal notices
There is a new instructional video posted on the portal itself, and you can read more about this update in the RTA Connection blog.
Township Officials of IL Offering Scholarships
The Township Officials of Illinois offers scholarships annually to high school students across Illinois. Each year, seven $2,000 scholarships are available to high school students who will be attending an Illinois college or university. For the 2026-2027 collegiate year, the application portal opened on January 1, and applications will be accepted through March 2, 2026. Completed applications can be sent via email to debbie@toi.org. Click here to access the application and for additional information about the program.