Madigan Trial Nears as Jury Selection Begins
Jury selection began last week in the long-awaited trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who faces 23 counts of racketeering, bribery, and wire fraud.
The former Speaker, who was once one of the most influential political figures in Illinois, was indicted in March 2022 with charges stemming from Madigan’s alleged involvement in a years-long bribery scheme with the state’s largest utility, Commonwealth Edison (ComEd).
Madigan, who served in the Illinois House from 1971 until his resignation in 2021, held the speakership for much of his tenure and was also the chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois.
As Madigan’s trial begins, Senate Republicans are once again highlighting the need for sweeping ethics reforms to prevent future abuses of power. Republican lawmakers have introduced several bills aimed at closing loopholes and increasing accountability for public officials, including stronger revolving door prohibitions, banning elected officials from working as paid lobbyists, and campaign finance reforms.
With Veto Session scheduled to take place in November, Republican lawmakers are urging immediate action, arguing that without substantive ethics reforms, the state remains vulnerable to further corruption at the highest levels of government.
Senior Fair Scheduled for Tuesday in Crystal Lake
Senator Don DeWitte and I are bringing dozens of agencies that cater to the needs of seniors under one roof for an October 15 Senior Resource Fair in Crystal Lake.
This annual event has been incredibly popular because seniors are able to visit with representatives from a variety of agencies that can help them navigate issues that affect their lives. In addition to receiving information from vendors, seniors will have an opportunity to get flu shots and blood pressure checks and visit an ICASH Unclaimed Property desk to see if cash or property is waiting to be claimed. Best of all, everything is free.
Wilcox-DeWitte Senior Resource Fair
Tuesday, October 15
10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Crystal Lake Park District’s Grand Oaks Building
Participating agencies/organizations include Aetna, Algonquin Township, Ardenrose, Assure Home Assist, Bose Home Health, Crystal Lake Park District, Cycling Without Age- McHenry County, Fair Oaks/Carriage Health, Honor Flight, Venturi & Associates, IL Attorney General’s Office, IL Secretary of State’s Office, IL Treasurer’s Office, IL Comptroller’s Office, Independence Health, James A Lovell Federal Health Care Center, Village of Lake in the Hills, Molina Health Care, PACE Bus Service, Prairie State Legal, Regional Transportation Authority, Senior Care Volunteer Network, Senior Lifestyle Solutions, St. Croix Hospice, The Pearl of Crystal Lake, Transitions Care, Veterans Assistance Commission of McHenry County, Visiting Angels, Walgreens, Harvard Senior Center, Woodlands, and Meridian.
For more information about this senior resource fair, please call my office at (815-455-6330.
IPASS On Demand Returning to Area for Additional Events
The response to IPASS on Demand events in this region has been phenomenal, so I have two of these popular events scheduled in the coming weeks.
A mobile team from the Tollway will be at the Algonquin Township Offices, in meeting room #1 on Monday, October 28, and at McHenry City Hall on Monday, November 4. Both events take place from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Addresses for both locations are listed in the graphics above.
At these IPASS on Demand events, Tollway employees can help residents switch out their plastic IPASS transponders for the new sticker technology the Tollway is using. Plastic transponders will work until the expiration date printed on the transponder, but these local events help people make the switch in a convenient location so they can avoid long lines at the DMV.
You can visit the Events page on my website to learn more about these events.
IDFPR Warns of Increased Scams Targeting Students
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is making families with children who are currently attending or have attended college aware of an uptick in scams targeting those who have taken on student loans.
Due to recent challenges to federal relief programs, scammers have taken this opportunity to attempt to scam students by promising lower rates, loan forgiveness, and requests to sign over power-of-attorney. Most often, there will be a request for immediate action, which is a red flag. Students should also be wary of claims that the servicer has ties to the government.
Scammers commonly communicate through the use of telephone calls, text, email, or physical mail.
Those who believe they may have been a target of a student loan scam should immediately contact the Illinois Attorney General’s Student Loan Hotline by calling 1-800-455-2456. The Attorney General’s website can also be a valuable resource to file a complaint for those who believe they have been targeted.
Senate Republicans to Honor Veterans with Wall of Honor
To pay tribute to veterans and honor their legacies and sacrifices, I am encouraging constituents to submit a photo and story of their loved one who served our nation so it can be displayed in the rotunda of the Illinois Capitol from November 11 to 25 in honor of Veterans Day.
The tribute honors the brave men and women who have served their country, preserving their stories and sacrifices for future generations. Families are asked to submit a photo and written story (max: 250 words) along with the following information: name, military branch (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, Navy) and conflict served (Afghanistan, Iraq, September 11, Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, WWI, Peacetime, other). Military photos are preferred but not necessary.
Submissions should be emailed to veteransday@sgop.ilga.gov by November 8 to be included in the Veterans Day Display at the Illinois State Capitol. Submissions can also be mailed to Veterans Day Wall, 110 D Statehouse, Springfield, IL 62706. For questions, please call (217) 782-1154.
Celebrating Women-Owned Businesses
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is celebrating National Women’s Business Month by highlighting the valuable impact of women-owned businesses throughout the state.
With more than 450,000 women-owned businesses in Illinois, this month is focused on empowering women entrepreneurs and supporting their continued growth and success.
Throughout October, DCEO will offer free events to highlight the various resources, opportunities, and tools available to help women-owned businesses thrive. For more information on resources and events offered from DCEO, click here.
Return of Illinois Deer Season
Illinois deer hunting season is officially underway, with archery season starting on October 1 and running through January 19 for counties east of Route 47. In counties west of Route 47, the archery season will also run during this period, with breaks for firearm seasons beginning in mid-November.
General firearm deer season for those with the appropriate tags and accompanying license takes place from November 22 to 24 and from December 5 to 8. A separate muzzleloader-only season will occur from December 13 to 15. The lottery drawings for firearm season tags are complete, and over-the-counter sales will begin on October 15, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To ensure safety and avoid legal issues during deer hunting season, hunters should keep the following in mind:
- Have a valid Illinois Hunting, Sportsmen, Youth or Apprentice License in addition to a deer permit.
- Hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
- When in the field, be sure to wear pink or orange outer garments to make yourself more visible.
- Drive with caution in areas where deer crossing signs are posted, as hunting season can cause deer to be more active.
For more information on safe hunting in Illinois, visit: https://dnr.illinois.gov/hunting.html.