Summer Events Continue in 32nd District
My staff and I just wrapped up four traveling office hours events over the last two weeks, and we are now looking ahead to additional outreach events scheduled for the summer and fall. Please mark your calendars now for these upcoming events:
- July 17, ICASH Unclaimed Property Day: Algonquin Township Building, 3702 US-14, Crystal Lake, 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
- August 5, Secretary of State REAL ID Event: McHenry City Hall, 333 S. Green Street, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- August 17, District Office Open House: Wilcox Office, 209 N. Benton Street, Woodstock, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- September 11, Medicare 101: Nippersink Public Library, 5418 Hill Rd, Richmond, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- September 19, Barks & Brews: Kishwaukee Brewing Company, 1900 Dillard Court, Woodstock, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- October 15, Senior Health Fair: Crystal Lake Park District Grand Oaks Building, 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Legal Battle Over Illinois Election Law Amendment Intensifies
The legal battle over a controversial new election law, recently found unconstitutional by a Sangamon County judge, intensified this week as legislative allies of Governor JB Pritzker petitioned the Illinois Supreme Court to review and reverse the ruling.
Senate Bill 2412, signed into law by Governor Pritzker in May, introduced significant changes to an election process already underway. One of the law’s most contentious provisions aimed to halt the process of slating candidates to fill ballot vacancies—a process already in progress statewide.
The legislation drew swift and widespread criticism from good government groups and numerous newspaper editorial boards, who viewed it as a blatant power move by Illinois Democrats designed to safeguard incumbents and limit voter choices.
In response to the controversy, candidates affected in the 2024 election cycle challenged the law, leading to a ruling in early June by a Sangamon County judge declaring the law unconstitutional for the 2024 election.
Following this decision, Democrats are now seeking to overturn the ruling, appealing to the Illinois Supreme Court where Democrats hold a 5-2 majority.
Legislation Passed to Regulate Historic Bridges
During the spring session, lawmakers worked together to address concerns about the future of historic bridges that, while still in use, pose potential safety risks to drivers and communities.
Senate Bill 3622 allows the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council to recommend that a bridge be removed from the National Register of Historic Places if the bridge is less than 22 feet wide with a banister at least 18 inches tall, is on or crosses a township road, and will be renovated or rebuilt.
The proposal recognizes the importance of preserving historic places while also providing a pathway forward to allow for much-needed repairs or replacements to address safety concerns.
SB 3622 passed unanimously in both chambers earlier this year and now awaits the Governor’s signature.
Illinois State Fair Returns to Springfield in August, Tickets on Sale Now!
The Illinois State Fair is set to return to Springfield later this summer, celebrating its 171st year. The event will run from August 8th through the 18th at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, continuing a longstanding tradition that brings together residents and visitors for a variety of activities and events.
Tickets for the Grandstand events are now available, featuring headliners such as Miranda Lambert, Lil Wayne, and Motley Crue. Additionally, the Twilight Parade is scheduled for August 8th, with entries due by July 8th.
The fair also offers employment and volunteer opportunities for the summer, with applications currently being accepted. For more information, including schedules, ticket purchases, and entry forms, visit the official Illinois State Fair website at statefair.illinois.gov.
Secretary of State Launches Mobile DMV
In an effort to streamline services for Illinois drivers, the Secretary of State’s Office has introduced its first electric-powered mobile DMV.
The DMV on Wheels program will offer the following services:
- Driver’s License renewals
- Vehicle registration renewals
- Vehicle sticker services
- REAL ID applications
- License or state ID replacements
Equipped with onboard connectivity, these mobile units allow Illinois residents to handle various transactions without needing to travel to a fixed DMV location.
The DMV on wheels program is set for a full release by the end of June, starting with Chicago and its suburbs, followed by three additional locations by the end of the summer.