New Year, Same “Lame Duck” Democrats
After a snowy four-day “Lame Duck” session, Illinois lawmakers convened the 104th General Assembly with Inauguration Ceremonies on January 8.
With many Illinoisans struggling to make ends meet, the recent session could have been used to address these challenges. Instead, Governor Pritzker and his allies focused on measures that prioritize noncitizens and criminals over hardworking citizens.
One such bill was House Bill 5164, commonly referred to as the “Name Change Bill.” It passed the Senate on Sunday, January 5 without any Republican support and passed the House of Representatives on January 7 along strict partisan lines.
Proponents of the bill argue it enables non-citizens to change their names through an expedited and confidential process, provided they’ve lived in Illinois for at least three months. However, critics point out that the legislation merely requires individuals to claim eligibility without offering proof, which they fear could allow illegal immigrants, criminals, and others to exploit the system to evade authorities.
The bill also allows judges to seal name change records, which I believe creates a loophole that undermines the legal process and could benefit individuals with malicious intent. Opponents contend this measure exacerbates the challenges posed by illegal immigration under Governor JB Pritzker’s administration, further endangering community safety.
Senator Wilcox is Hiring!
With the recent departure of my traveling legislative assistant, I am currently accepting applications to fill the position with an organized individual who is interested in assisting me in a variety of ways. This person must be willing to travel to Springfield during session weeks. A typical session year includes between 50 and 60 overnight stays in Springfield.
On session days (January – May and two weeks of veto session in the fall), this employee will work out of my Springfield office and provide administrative support unique to the legislative process. When the legislature is not in session, the legislative assistant will work out of the Woodstock legislative office and provide similar support in collaboration with my district office director.
If you are interested in gaining some public sector work experience and learning about public policy creation and constituent service delivery, please put your resume together and contact my office at (815) 455-6330 so you can learn more about this exciting employment opportunity.
Legislation Proposed to Protect Election Integrity
Following the discovery that the Pritzker Administration is sending voter registration forms to noncitizens, potentially leading to voter fraud, Senate Republicans are filing new legislation to protect the integrity of Illinois elections.
A Republican Senator from downstate Litchfield was notified by an immigrant rights advocate that when noncitizens apply for state aid, the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) is sending packets to them that include voter registration forms already addressed to local county clerks’ offices. The department includes an electronic version of the packet on its website, including a voting application, here: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/onenetlibrary/12/documents/forms/il444-2378b.pdf
Concerns arose that recipients may feel obligated to fill out all of the forms in their packet in their entirety, and that, because they may not be fluent in the same language as the forms are written, they may incorrectly apply to vote.
Making the situation worse, recent legislation signed into law by Governor Pritzker created a new system of driver’s licenses, where noncitizens, even those who are here illegally, are given the same licenses as citizens. Previously, the licenses were marked if they were issued to noncitizens. County clerks have no way to verify if someone is a citizen based on their driver’s license.
Legislation passed in 2017 authorizes DHS to use applications for aid in a dual role, where the information from the aid application can be used to register someone to vote. However, in that situation, the law instructs DHS to verify that the individual is authorized to vote before the application reaches the county election officials. That law does not authorize the use of paper applications to be sent straight from the applicant to county clerks, who, unlike DHS, are unable to verify citizenship status.
If noncitizens do file to vote, not only would they be jeopardizing the legitimacy of Illinois elections, but they would be committing a crime, which would ruin any chance they have to become citizens.
The new legislation, which will be filed before the end of January, will require the Illinois Secretary of State’s office to create a database for all noncitizens who have Illinois driver’s licenses, so that County Clerks can verify that voting applicants are indeed citizens who are legally authorized to vote.
Senator Wilcox’s Valentines for Seniors Event Underway
Loneliness can be a real issue for the elderly, so it’s nice to bring them some joy so they know we’re thinking of them. Let’s all do our part to make sure this area’s seniors feel appreciated this Valentine’s Day!
My 5th annual “Valentines for Seniors” card drive is underway in the 332nd District. Last year we collected thousands of cards and I hope to have an even greater response this year.
Cards and drawings can be mailed to or dropped off at my Woodstock office between now and February 7. My office staff and I will personally deliver the cards and drawings on your behalf the week of Valentines Day.
Valentines can be dropped off between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday, or mailed to:
Senator Wilcox’s Legislative Office
209 N. Benton Street
Woodstock, IL 60098
If you are interested in participating or have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Kim at kjohnson@sgop.ilga.gov.