Wilcox to Host Property Tax Seminar on Aug. 13
If you want to learn more about how your property tax bill is created, how to appeal your assessment if you believe it is inaccurate, and ensure you are receiving every available exemption for which you qualify, I hope you’ll join me this Thursday, Aug. 13 for my property tax seminar at McHenry City Hall. McHenry County Chief Assessments Officer Alejandro Benitez will be the guest presenter at this free event.
Those who attend will learn how tax bills are created from information provided by various taxing bodies, about the available exemptions that can lower tax bills, and how to file an appeal of a tax assessment if it is felt to be inaccurate. The event will also include a question-and-answer period.
I hear regularly from residents who are either confused about line items on their tax bill or who believe they are being over-taxed. Alejandro Benitez is extremely knowledgeable and he will take a difficult subject matter and explain it in an easy-to-understand way. Anyone with questions about their tax bill is encouraged to attend.
New Law Expands Military License Plate Eligibility for Illinois Veterans
Bipartisan legislation I supported this year that expands recognition for Illinois veterans was recently signed into law.
House Bill 4385 allows eligible veterans and military honorees to receive a second set of military specialty license plates under the same eligibility requirements as their first set.
Previously, Illinois law limited eligible veterans to one set of military specialty plates. Under the new law, veterans with multiple vehicles will be able to display the plates on a second vehicle.
The State of Illinois has special vehicle plates for veterans who received any of the following decorations: Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross Medal, Silver Star Medal, Legion of Merit Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, United States Submarine Veterans, Global War, and the Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
House Bill 4385 passed unanimously in both chambers and takes effect immediately.
Puppies, Puppies, Puppies!
I want to thank everyone who came out to my Barks & Brews Pet Adoption Event last week in Woodstock at Kishwaukee Brewing. This has become a very popular event, and one that I look forward to every year. I partnered with K9s4U for the event, and several puppies stole the hearts of those who came out to learn more about pet adoption while visiting with their State Senator.
I also had a successful event on Saturday, when I partnered with State Rep. Steve Reick for a free document shredding event and food collection drive. We were blown away by the constant stream of cars that flowed through the event. Visitors were extremely generous with food donations as they dropped off their sensitive documents for safe, secure destruction. Non-perishable food items and toiletries will be delivered to local food pantries this week. Thanks to all who participated and donated!
Legislation Strengthening DCFS Transparency and Accountability Signed into Law
Legislation was recently signed into law to strengthen transparency and accountability in DCFS investigations involving allegations of child abuse or neglect.
House Bill 4242, which I was proud to support, amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act by requiring DCFS to include additional information in written notices of final determinations involving indicated findings of abuse or neglect.
Under the new law, notices must include a statement of the allegation and indicated finding, the length of time the finding will remain in the State Central Register, and information regarding the right to request an administrative appeal. The notice must also explain the deadline and process for filing an appeal, as well as the right to request a copy of the relevant investigative file.
House Bill 4242 takes effect January 1, 2027.
New Law Requires Certain Businesses to Accept Cash
Recently signed legislation that I supported this year makes it easier for consumers to use cash for common, everyday purchases.
House Bill 4592 creates the Retail Cash Payment Act, requiring businesses such as gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants to accept cash for in-person transactions under $500.
The law is intended to ensure that consumers who rely on cash rather than credit or debit cards can continue to make essential purchases. Before the legislation was approved, Illinois did not have a statewide requirement for businesses to accept cash.
House Bill 4592 passed unanimously in the Senate and takes effect January 1, 2028.
Legislation Strengthening Assisted Living Standards Signed into Law
Legislation to strengthen standards for Illinois assisted living facilities was signed into law on July 24. I voted in favor of this bill.
House Bill 3392 updates the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act by improving the admission process for new residents, modernizing care standards, and strengthening accountability for facilities.
The law requires every resident to receive a comprehensive physical, cognitive, and psychosocial assessment before admission by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. It also updates qualification requirements for assisted living directors, requires dementia and Alzheimer’s assessments to be approved by qualified medical professionals with geriatric experience, recognizes current medication administration practices, and strengthens enforcement for facilities with repeated compliance violations.
The legislation passed the Senate and House unanimously and takes effect January 1, 2027.