Wilcox Hosts Large Crowd for Property Tax Seminar in McHenry
I want to thank everyone who braved the bad weather on Thursday to come out to my property tax seminar in McHenry. We had a full house at City Hall as McHenry County Chief Assessments Officer Alejandro Benitez explained the process of how tax bills are created, discussed the various exemptions that are available to taxpayers, and outlined the process for how to appeal an assessment that is believed to be inaccurate.
Senator Wilcox to Host IPASS on Demand Event at Lake Villa Library on August 25
If you still need to switch out your plastic IPASS transponder for the new sticker technology, I am bringing a mobile team from the Illinois Tollway to the Lake Villa Library on August 25 for an IPASS on Demand event. My office is offering this service free-of-charge, so I would encourage anyone who still needs to make the switch to attend this event.
IPASS on Demand
Tuesday, August 25
12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Lake Villa District Library
140 N. Munn Road
Lindenhurst, IL 60046
Officials from the Illinois Tollway will be on hand to help people transfer over to the new sticker technology and ensure people can make the switch without disruption to their IPASS account activity. Along with providing this service, the tollway officials can help people with questions they may have about their IPASS account and with ‘Pay by Plate’ issues.
Once activated, the sticker tag can be used on the Illinois tollway and on E-Z Pass roadways in other states within 24 hours of activation. There is no deposit required for the sticker, and the $10 transponder deposit that was paid when a transponder was purchased will transfer to the new account when it is activated.
Those who plan to attend should bring their plastic transponders inside with them and also make note of their license plate numbers. This will help ensure quick service.
For additional information about this free event, please contact my office at (815) 455-6330 or email Abby at amccarthy@sgop.ilga.gov.
City of Woodstock Offering Business Relief Grants
I wanted to pass along this information. The City of Woodstock is now accepting applications for Cycle 1 of the Route 47 Business Relief Fund Grants. These grants were created to provide short-term financial assistance to eligible small businesses directly impacted by the Route 47 expansion project. Eligible businesses within the Route 47 construction project impact area may apply for grants of up to $5,000.
Business Eligibility Criteria
- Located within the Route 47 Construction Project Impact Area (see map)
- Open to the public for at least 12 months prior to application
- 1-49 full-time equivalent employees
- Annual gross revenue between $30,000 and $5,000,000.
- Must submit a current Certificate of Good Standing from the Illinois Secretary of State.
Click here to learn more about eligibility and application requirements, and click here to access the application.
Those needing help with their application are invited to meet one-on-one with an application counselor at the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, August 26, from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM.
Low-Interest SBA Loans Available from July 2-4 Storms
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved a disaster declaration for the severe storms and flooding that impacted six counties in northeastern Illinois from July 2–4, 2026. Counties included in this latest declaration are McHenry, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, and Kendall.
The declaration allows homeowners, renters, businesses, and certain nonprofit organizations to apply for low-interest disaster loans to help cover damage and losses not covered by insurance.
Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 in low-interest SBA disaster loans to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters may apply for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
Businesses and certain nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million for physical damages. Applicants may also qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help address financial losses resulting from the disaster.
For online applications, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
The deadline to submit SBA disaster loan applications for physical property damage is Oct. 10, 2026. The deadline for economic injury applications is May 5, 2027.
Illinois Democrats’ Policies Continue Costing Jobs and Opportunities
Once again, Illinois is losing jobs and economic opportunities as failed policies under Governor Pritzker and the Democratic Supermajority continue to fuel an affordability crisis that is making it harder for families and businesses to stay in the state.
Tyson Foods has announced the closure of its Joslin facility, putting more than 2,000 Illinoisans out of work and delivering a devastating economic blow to workers, families, and communities throughout the Quad Cities region.
This also isn’t the first time Tyson has reduced its presence in Illinois. In 2022, the company announced plans to close its Chicago corporate offices and move approximately 500 positions to its headquarters in Arkansas.
Meanwhile, one of the state’s most iconic institutions is increasingly positioning itself to move across the border.
At a recent press conference, Chicago Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren announced that the team’s “sole focus” at this point is developing a new stadium and surrounding mixed-use development in Hammond, Indiana. While the Bears have not formally ruled out Illinois, team officials say discussions with Illinois officials have been minimal and have been in constant contact with Indiana officials about moving the Hammond project forward.
While the Tyson plant closure and the Bears’ stadium negotiations are two very different situations, both should serve as warning signs about the direction Illinois is heading under Democratic leadership.
Illinois families already face some of the highest property taxes in the nation while paying more for groceries, utilities, housing, transportation, and other everyday necessities. Employers face many of those same rising costs when deciding whether Illinois is the right place to invest, expand, and create jobs.
Illinois has the workforce, infrastructure, location, resources, and communities needed to compete with any state in the country. However, after years of one-party control in Springfield, Governor Pritzker and the Democratic Supermajority have failed to build on the state’s advantages, leaving families struggling and businesses closing up shop.
Senators Wilcox and Syverson to Co-Host Medicare Information Seminar on September 3
Senator Dave Syverson and I would like to invite those interested in learning more about the federal Medicare program to attend a free informational session that will be held in Wonder Lake on September 3.
The federal Medicare system can be tricky to navigate, and it is important that enrollees ensure they have adequate coverage between Medicare and supplemental plans that are available. We are bringing in experts who can help current enrollees understand the system and help those approaching Medicare eligibility prepare to apply for coverage.
Senators Wilcox and Syverson Medicare 101 Seminar
Thursday, September 3
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Harrison School (Use Entrance #1)
6809 McCullom Lake Road
Wonder Lake, IL 60097
Facilitated by the Illinois Department on Aging, the Medicare 101 Seminar includes information about who is eligible, coverage details, and how to get help with out-of-pocket expenses. There is also a question-and-answer period if you need it. It’s a good opportunity to talk with people who know the system well.”
Representatives from the Illinois Department on Aging will provide an overview of the Medicare program, including eligibility, enrollment, benefits, and other helpful information. A question-and-answer period will be included.
For more information about this free seminar, please call my office at (815) 455-6330.