Senate Republicans Push for Affordability Ahead of Governor’s Budget Address
As Governor JB Pritzker prepares to deliver his annual budget address on Wednesday of this week, my Senate Republican colleagues and I are urging him to focus on affordability for Illinois families and a responsible, sustainable budget that does not raise taxes or fees. Families are already struggling with the rising cost of living. The last thing working people need is a budget that expands government while piling on higher costs.
Our push and renewed call to improve affordability comes after Democratic lawmakers approved a budget last year that was the largest spending plan in Illinois history. That budget, which included zero Republican votes, included nearly $1 billion in new tax increases and relied heavily on budget gimmicks and one-time revenue sources.
The more than $55 billion spending plan represented nearly a $15 billion increase in state spending, almost a 40 percent rise, since Governor Pritzker took office. Our caucus opposed the plan, pointing to record spending, misplaced priorities, a lack of transparency, and a growing financial burden on families and businesses.
With the governor set to outline his next budget proposal, I am calling for relief for Illinois citizens. Governor Pritzker needs to rein in spending growth, provide real relief for working families, and commit to a budget that prioritizes taxpayers, families, and businesses, without any new or increased taxes.
The governor is set to give the annual address before members of the General Assembly next Wednesday, February 18, at noon.
Food Drive Underway to Benefit Spring Grove Food Pantry
As a reminder, I am hosting a food drive through February 27 with hopes of refilling the shelves at the Spring Grove Food Pantry. The pantry reached out recently and expressed a need to replenish their food supplies for families in crisis.
These winter months are often the most challenging time for local pantries, as donations tend to slow while the need from struggling families remains high, especially during periods of cold weather and increased household expenses. This food drive is an opportunity for community members to lend a helping hand and ensure families in need continue to have access to essential food items. Donations of non-perishable food items are greatly appreciated and will make an immediate impact for those relying on the Spring Grove Food Pantry this winter.
Your donations are appreciated, and they can be dropped off Monday through Friday at the following locations:
Senator Wilcox’s Office: 209 N. Benton Street, Woodstock, from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Spring Grove Village Hall: 7401 Meyer Road, Spring Grove, from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
I thank you in advance for your generosity.
Senate Republicans Introduce Plan to Protect Senior Property Tax Relief from Inflation
In an effort to protect seniors from rising costs, Illinois Senate Republicans have introduced legislation to ensure Illinois’ low-income senior citizens assessment freeze keeps pace with inflation. I am a proud co-sponsor of this legislation.
Senate Bill 4029 would automatically adjust the income eligibility cap for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption based on inflation beginning in tax year 2029. By tying the income threshold to the Consumer Price Index, this measure prevents seniors from losing eligibility due to cost-of-living increases.
During the fall veto session, I supported successful legislation that increased the income caps for the senior assessment freeze. Under the new law, the income cap for the senior assessment freeze is set at $75,000 for tax year 2026, $77,000 for 2027, and $79,000 beginning in 2028. SB 4029 would ensure that starting in 2029, the income threshold automatically adjusts each year based on inflation, preventing seniors from losing eligibility as everyday costs continue to rise.
Senate Bill 4029 is currently awaiting assignment to a Senate committee.
Senate Republicans Push to Prioritize Accessible Park Projects
A new proposal I am co-sponsoring would help more Illinois kids and families, especially those with disabilities, enjoy local parks by giving grant priority to projects that go above and beyond accessibility standards, without costing taxpayers more.
Senate Bill 3016 updates the state’s Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program to prioritize grant applications for park projects that exceed federal accessibility standards. When demand for OSLAD funding surpasses available dollars, projects designed for broader and more inclusive use would receive priority consideration.
Since its creation in 1986, the OSLAD program has distributed approximately $640 million for park acquisition and development throughout the state. SB 3016 does not alter the size of the funding pool. Instead, it directs the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to give greater consideration to projects that expand access for children and families of all abilities when reviewing grant applications.
SB 3016 is also awaiting action in the Senate State Government Committee.
Wilcox to Host “America 250” Art Contest in 32nd District
Art education is a vital element of the development of today’s youth, and in the spirit of advocating for the Arts in Illinois, this spring I am collaborating with the Illinois Art Education Association for an art contest. The contest is open to 3rd through 5th Grade students throughout the 32nd Senate District, and artists will have an opportunity to showcase their skills through the chosen theme of celebrating the 250th Birthday of the United States of America.
The contest is open to 3rd through 5th grade students in the 32nd Senate District, and art teachers have received information encouraging them to participate. Six to eight entries per school will be chosen by individual school art teachers and those entries will move forward for full consideration.
Artwork must be submitted digitally and be a maximum size of 8 x 10 inches. Acceptable media include markers, oil pastels, printmaking, and mixed media. I look forward to viewing their entries as students express their pride in America during this celebratory year of significance!
Click here to learn more about this art contest.
Free Tax Filing Assistance Offered Through Community Programs
Several programs across Illinois are offering free income tax preparation assistance for low-to-moderate income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities ahead of the April filing deadline. The services provide basic state and federal return preparation and electronic filing guidance.
Programs providing assistance include: the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, the AARP Tax-Aide Program, Ladder Up Tax Assistance, and the GetYourRefund Program. Eligibility and services vary by program.
These programs provide a useful service by helping eligible residents file accurate returns and understand available credits and deductions. I encourage taxpayers who qualify to review their options and use trusted assistance sites if they need help.
Taxpayers can learn more through the Illinois Department of Revenue website or by contacting the taxpayer assistance hotline at 800-732-8866.
Internship Opportunities Still Available in Senator Wilcox’s Office
Resumes are coming in, but I am still looking for a few more paid interns to work on a project out of my office from mid-March through the end of May. This is a great opportunity for bright high school and college students interested in learning more about the legislative process and how a legislative office operates.
These internships offer hands-on experience and provide direct exposure to District 32 operations. Interns will gain valuable professional skills in the areas of communication and community outreach, and develop meaningful connections with elected officials that can support future careers in law, government, or advocacy.
To learn more about my paid internship program, please click here. You can also contact John from my staff at jpicciotti@sgop.ilga.gov.