Wilcox Honors Local Veterans at Appreciation Luncheon and Expo
On Saturday it was a distinct privilege to honor and thank approximately 100 veterans and family members at a free appreciation luncheon and resource expo. I partnered on this special event with my neighboring Senate Colleague Senator Darby Hills (R-Barrington Hills), and it was held in Lake Zurich.
Our veterans represent the very best of this nation. They are the men and women who put service before self, who stepped forward when their country called, and who have sacrificed their time, comfort, and in many cases their health, to protect the freedoms we often take for granted. Their courage has preserved the values and security that define America. We owe them a debt of gratitude we can never fully repay.
To all who have served, thank you. Thank you for your bravery, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment to protecting our nation. Your service ensures that future generations can live in freedom and opportunity. We honor you, we appreciate you, and we will never forget the sacrifices you and your families have made on behalf of us all.
Federal Government Reopens After Record-Breaking Shutdown
After weeks of uncertainty and disruption, the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history has finally come to an end.
On October 1, Washington Democrats triggered the shutdown after rejecting a bipartisan plan that would have kept the government open. The stalemate dragged on for 43 days before a handful of Democrats finally joined Republicans in approving a funding bill that allows federal agencies and services to begin returning to normal operations. President Trump signed the bill just hours after it was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives.
The shutdown had far-reaching consequences. More than 600,000 federal employees were furloughed, leaving families across the nation, and here in Illinois, without paychecks. Farmers were left waiting for critical federal assistance, travelers endured delays and service disruptions, and countless Illinoisans were forced to navigate stalled federal programs during the weeks-long impasse.
The dysfunction was senseless and avoidable. The shutdown served no purpose other than inflicting hardship on families, workers, and communities. Democrats could have prevented the crisis entirely had leaders been willing to accept bipartisan solutions at the outset.
The newly approved funding bill reopens the federal government and keeps it operating through January 30, 2026.
IDOT Moves DBE Programs Away from DEI-Based Certification
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is adjusting its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification program to comply with a new rule from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) that recently took effect. Under the new rule, states can no longer presume business owners qualify for DBE certification based solely on race or gender.
Going forward, every DBE applicant and currently certified firm must show individualized proof of being socially and economically disadvantaged. This can be accomplished through a personal narrative, a net worth statement, and detailed evidence of barriers they may face. IDOT confirms firms previously certified under the older presumptions will need to recertify under this new framework. In the meantime, contract goals tied to DBE certification are on hold until recertification is complete.
This is a significant, common sense change in how Illinois administers one of its small-business access programs, shifting from group-based preference toward individual qualification irrespective of race or gender. It will help ensure that state programs are based on fairness and need, not identity, creating a more equal and accountable system for all business owners.
Safety Reminders for Illinois Families This Thanksgiving
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I wanted to share some helpful tips to ensure that you and your family have a fun and safe holiday. The graphic also offers tips so our four-legged friends can also have a good Thanksgiving.
According to the American Red Cross, Thanksgiving and the day before are the top two days of the year for home cooking fires in the United States. Nationwide, cooking-related incidents cause an average of 158,400 home fires each year, accounting for 44 percent of all home fires. With millions of Americans preparing large holiday meals, the Red Cross warns that simple mistakes in the kitchen can quickly turn dangerous.
To help families stay safe this Thanksgiving, Illinoisans can follow these helpful cooking safety tips:
- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
- Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
- Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
- Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas.
- Keep anything that can catch on fire — potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains — away from your stove top and oven or any other appliance that generates heat.
- Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
- Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen.
- Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.
- Check your smoke alarm batteries.
Following these precautions can help prevent kitchen accidents and reduce the likelihood of a holiday fire emergency.
U.S. Mint Ends Production of the Penny After More Than Two Centuries
After more than 230 years in circulation, the United States Mint has officially stopped producing the penny. The final one-cent coin was struck on November 12, 2025, at the Mint’s Philadelphia facility, marking the end of an era for America’s longest-running coin.
The penny was first authorized by Congress in 1792 and began circulating in 1793. Over the centuries, it has featured several designs, with President Abraham Lincoln appearing on the front since 1909. Over time, the makeup of the penny has changed, with it being made of 97.5 percent zinc and 2.5 percent copper since 1982.
Officials say production costs were a major factor in the decision. In recent years, it has cost nearly four cents to make each penny, far exceeding its face value. While new coins will no longer be produced, existing pennies will remain legal tender and continue to circulate for years to come.