Wilcox to host REAL ID Event on August 5
If you haven’t obtained your REAL ID yet, I’m bringing a team from the Secretary of State’s office to McHenry for an event on Monday, August 5! For this Secretary of State REAL ID event, registrations are required. The event is almost fully-booked, so do not delay if you want to get a REAL ID at this event. Walk-ins will not be able to be served, so if you want to reserve a time, please call my district office at (815) 455-6330. Additionally, please refer to the check-list in the graphic to ensure you arrive with all necessary documents to complete a REAL ID transaction.
Please mark your calendars for that and these other upcoming events in the 32nd District:
- 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: In cooperation with K9s4U at Kishwaukee Brewing Company, 1900 Dillard Court, Woodstock, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- September 25, Conversations Untapped: Richmond Brathaus, 10310 North Main Street, Richmond, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- October 2, Conversations Untapped: The Grove Pub and Grill, 2008 Main Street Road, Spring Grove, 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
Wilcox-Supported Legislation that Aids Child Victims of Human Trafficking Signed into Law
Legislation that helps some child victims of human trafficking heal and move on with their lives following their trauma was recently signed into law. I was proud to support this legislation.
House Bill 5465 enhances previous legislation by simplifying the process for child trafficking victims to expunge or seal juvenile records resulting from any compelled criminal actions while under abuse. The bill received unanimous support in both chambers during the spring session.
Senate Republicans are actively promoting awareness about human trafficking and urge anyone with information on potential cases to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 to report suspicious activities in their communities.
Legislation Empowers Sheriffs in 9-1-1 Emergency Systems
Legislation I supported that enables sheriffs to play a pivotal role in Illinois’ 9-1-1 emergency systems was recently signed into law.
House Bill 5128 amends the Emergency Telephone System Act to explicitly recognize sheriffs as eligible members of local 9-1-1 boards, ensuring their insights and leadership contribute to vital functions.
The legislation was crafted to recognize the expertise and insights of law enforcement officers by integrating them into the decision-making processes. 9-1-1 boards are deeply involved in planning, implementing, and maintaining local 9-1-1 systems. HB 5128 received unanimous support in both chambers earlier this spring and was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker on July 19.
Illinois Receives Nearly Half a Billion Dollars in Federal Pollution Reduction Grant
The State of Illinois was recently awarded more than $430 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) for its Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program application. The funding will be utilized for building and industry decarbonization, freight electrification, climate-smart agriculture, and renewable energy deployment.
According to the state’s grant application, the state will implement projects that include dedicating:
- $115 million for heavy-duty vehicle electrification,
- $172 million to improve access and affordability for clean building technologies, and
- more than $111 to improve access and affordability for clean building technologies.
The U.S. EPA stated that these projects would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 971 million metric tons by 2050, equivalent to the emissions of about five million homes over 25 years. The grant will help support and offset some costs associated with the state’s ongoing goal of reaching 100 percent carbon-free power by 2045.
Nearly 300 applications were submitted nationwide for the project implementation grants, but only 25 grants totaling $4.3 billion were awarded by the U.S. EPA. The State of Illinois received the third-largest grant award.
Illinois DMV Services Disrupted by Global Technology Outage
A global technology outage affected all 138 DMV locations in Illinois recently, disrupting services across the state.
A routine update from the cybersecurity company CrowdStrike to Microsoft on its Windows devices triggered an enormous national technological outage on July 19. This led to widespread chaos that affected global businesses ranging from airports and banks to retail and law enforcement. This incident highlighted the weaknesses of a computerized world that is critically dependent on a few suppliers such as Microsoft.
Illinois residents are advised to verify the operational status of their desired DMV facility by calling 800-252-8980. Additionally, residents could expedite their services by visiting www.ilsos.gov to complete tasks online.
Illinois Grapples with Surge in Tornado Activity
This year, Illinois has experienced more than 100 tornado incidents, doubling the state’s typical annual average.
The recent outbreak underscores escalating weather volatility in the region. Notably, earlier this month, the National Weather Service in Chicago issued 16 tornado warnings in a single day, the highest number since 2004.
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) warns residents that severe weather can occur at any time of the year. They emphasize that preparing for floods, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms before they strike is important for safety.
Senate Republicans are urging Illinois residents to be prepared for severe weather. For more information on how to prepare for all hazards, visit the IEMA website for resources and guidelines.