Democrats Use Veto Session to Push Partisan Agenda
When lawmakers returned to Springfield for the fall veto session, only a handful of vetoes were up for potential consideration. In the end, only one vetoed bill was brought forward for reconsideration. Rather than focusing on vetoed bills, the session agenda quickly shifted toward advancing new and previously introduced legislation, including several controversial measures that have far-reaching consequences for taxpayers and businesses across the state.
Among the most heated measures were a sweeping public transit bailout for the City of Chicago that was rushed through with little to no time to review final bill language, a short-sighted tax plan known as “decoupling” that effectively raises taxes on Illinois job creators, an $8 billion energy rate hike, and a polarizing proposal to pave the way for physician-assisted suicide.
Senate Republicans criticized the priorities as well as the process of Springfield Democrats. Using veto session to push through major policy changes in the middle of the night, with little public input or debate, is irresponsible and dangerous. These measures will have lasting and permanent consequences for families, businesses, and communities across Illinois.
The Senate is not scheduled to return to the Capitol until mid-January for the start of the 2026 spring session. Click here to view the 2026 Senate session calendar.
Wilcox’s FREE Veterans Appreciation Lunch & Expo Set for November 15
Just a reminder that this Saturday, November 15, I am partnering with State Senator Darby Hills for a FREE Veterans Appreciation Luncheon & Expo to express our gratitude and support of the brave men and women who selflessly served their country.
Veterans Appreciation Luncheon & Expo
Saturday, November 15
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Knights of Columbus Hall
365 Surryse Road, Suite 280
Lake Zurich, IL
Veterans and their families can attend a complimentary luncheon and Expo to honor their service. The Expo will provide a reliable place where veterans and their families can make connections and receive information about many different types of veterans’ programs and resources.
If you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran, I sincerely hope you will join us for this event. RSVPs are appreciated so we have a proper headcount for food, so if you are planning to join us, please email Abby at amccarthy@sgop.ilga.gov.
Wilcox Co-Sponsors Bill to Expand Property Tax Relief for Senior Citizens
Illinois continues to face one of the highest overall tax burdens in the nation, with homeowners paying the highest effective property tax rate of any state. The heavy tax load has driven many residents, particularly seniors, to leave Illinois.
During veto session, we took steps to ease that burden by passing Senate Bill 642, a measure designed to help seniors stay in their homes. I am a proud co-sponsor of this bill.
The proposal raises the maximum income limit for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption over the next several years. Beginning in tax year 2026, the income limit would increase to $75,000, then to $77,000 in 2027, and to $79,000 in 2028 and beyond.
The aim of the legislation is to expand eligibility for the property tax freeze program to allow in-need seniors to qualify for relief and stay in their homes.
The measure passed the Senate unanimously and now heads to the Governor for his signature.
Wilcox Woodstock Office to Serve as Collection Point for 2025 Toys for Tots
Many families are facing difficult financial circumstances, and something as simple as a toy can brighten a child’s holiday. Toys for Tots, sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps, has a long tradition of helping ensure that joy reaches as many homes as possible. I’m proud to have my office once again serve as a drop-off site to support their mission. New, unwrapped toys and other gifts for children of all ages will be collected this year through Friday, December 5. Toys will be picked up on Monday, December 8.
2025 Toys for Tots Collection
Senator Craig Wilcox’s District Office
209 North Benton Street, Woodstock
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Local collection campaigns are held annually in over 800 communities across all 50 states, and either a Marine, a member of a Marine Corps League Detachment, or a member of a local community organization is designated as a coordinator for each community. Once all toys are collected from drop-off locations, coordinators, with the help of local social welfare agencies, church groups, and other community agencies, distribute toys to children who might otherwise have no gift to open during the holidays.
As we reflect on everything for which we are grateful, I encourage those who are able to share their generosity with others. A small gift can make a big difference, and together we can help bring smiles to children across our community.
Physician-Assisted Suicide Legislation Advances to Governor’s Desk
In the early morning hours of October 31, lawmakers in the Illinois Senate voted on a controversial proposal that would legalize physician-assisted suicide in this state.
Senate Bill 1950, which was pasted as a “gut and replace” amendment into a bill originally having to do with food processing, creates the End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act. The measure allows adult patients diagnosed with a terminal illness and given six months or less to live to request medication from a physician to voluntarily end their lives.
I believe that at the heart of this debate there was not a lack of compassion, but a difference in how we believe compassion should be shown. For me, I felt the final version of the bill left too many unanswered questions and did not include enough protections for the patient.
For example, there is no requirement for a doctor or medical professional to be present when the medication is taken. That raises real concerns about safety and oversight at one of life’s most vulnerable moments. I also worry that even with good intentions, this bill could unintentionally shift the focus away from hospice and palliative care, which are vital sources of comfort and support. We must be absolutely certain that no one ever feels steered toward ending their life because it is less costly or more convenient than compassionate care.
And while the bill includes some safeguards, I remain deeply concerned about vulnerable patients, including the elderly, the isolated, or those without strong family support. I fear they might feel subtle pressure to choose this option simply because they don’t want to be a burden.
There are also serious safety issues to consider, including how leftover medication would be secured or disposed of, and how we prevent it from falling into the wrong hands, especially in homes where children or others could be at risk.
For these reasons, I could not support the bill as presented.
For me, true compassion means doing everything we can to care for people, to surround them with love and support, and to ensure they never feel their life is without value or meaning, no matter how difficult their circumstances may be.
The proposal passed in the Senate with the bare minimum number of votes (30) and now advances to the Governor’s desk for consideration. Governor Pritzker has two months to take action on the measure, but it remains unclear whether he intends to sign it into law.
Open Enrollment Period Underway for “Get Covered Illinois”
The Open enrollment portal for Get Covered Illinois opened on November 1 and runs through January 15. This timeframe represents the annual opportunity for Illinoisans to enroll in, renew, or change their health insurance plans.
According the IL Department of Insurance, this year, Illinoisans will experience a new marketplace. Enrollees will apply for and enroll directly on GetCoveredIllinois.gov now that Illinois has officially transitioned to a state-based marketplace. They will also have access to increased support that is more tailored to their needs.
For coverage starting January 1, customers must enroll by December 15. Free, one-on-one enrollment help is available statewide from trained navigators and licensed brokers—in person, by phone, and online—with support in multiple languages. For more information or free assistance, visit GetCoveredIllinois.gov or call 1-866-311-1119 (TTY: 711).