2025 Toys for Tots Drive a Tremendous Success!
I want to thank everyone who donated a new, unwrapped toy to this year’s Toys for Tots collection, done in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps. The collection bin at my office was overflowing with gifts for kids of all ages! Our donations were picked up today.
I’m sure you would agree that every child, regardless of their family’s financial situation, should have a gift to open over the holidays, and Toys for Tots has provided toys and other gifts to kids since 1947. The annual toy collection campaign is vital to the organization’s mission of spreading cheer and a message of hope to children in need.
Local collection campaigns are held annually in over 800 communities across all 50 states. 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.
The Toys for Tots program began in 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks of the Marine Corps Reserve collected and distributed 5,000 toys to children in need in Los Angeles, California. The program was expanded nationwide the following year. Since its inception, Toys for Tots has delivered millions of toys, books, and other gifts to children.
Thanks again to all who donated generously to this year’s drive!
Democrats Fail to Act on Wilcox Bill that Provides Tax Relief for Tipped Workers
Despite Illinoisans across the state struggling under the rising costs of living, Governor Pritzker and Springfield Democrats declined to extend tax relief for tipped workers by blocking legislation I am sponsoring that would have provided help.
Senate Bill 140, a proposal to exempt tip income from state taxation, was filed several months ago, yet Democratic leaders have not allowed even a basic hearing on the bill. Their refusal to advance the measure shows tax relief for working families is simply not a priority.
Because lawmakers failed to act, workers now face confusing and conflicting federal and state tax rules. Instead of straightforward relief, they are left with more paperwork and less money in their pockets.
This missed opportunity comes on the heels of Democrats’ earlier move to decouple state law from federal tax reforms, effectively raising taxes on job creators. This decision will chase away investment, slow wage growth, and make it harder for businesses and families across Illinois.
Illinois families need leaders willing to protect paychecks, simplify taxes, and put working people first. I am renewing my call that Democrat leaders hold a hearing on SB 140 and allow for real consideration to be given to legislation that could deliver relief to tipped workers across the state.
Federal SNAP Data Dispute Puts States on Notice
Federal SNAP food assistance remains a major national topic as the federal government recently signaled that it may withhold SNAP funding from states that do not provide requested program data. Illinois is among the states declining to comply with the federal request, even as the program faces ongoing scrutiny for rising error rates and limited transparency. Since 2017, Illinois’ error rate has nearly doubled, reaching 11.56 percent in 2024.
Federal officials say the data request is part of a broader effort to combat growing fraud within the nearly $100-billion-a-year program. Under recent federal law changes, states reporting error rates above 10 percent must repay 15 percent of the value of their SNAP benefits, a requirement that could place a significant financial burden on states where fraud and errors remain high.
The initial request for detailed SNAP data was issued earlier this year, and the federal government has since reiterated its expectations in a follow-up letter, stating that states have until December 8 to respond to the data request.
Illinois Municipal League Launches America250 Time Capsule Project
As the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence approaches in 2026, the Illinois Municipal League (IML) announced the launch of its America250 Time Capsule Project, a statewide effort to honor and preserve the legacy of communities across Illinois.
The initiative invites municipalities throughout the state to submit items for inclusion in a time capsule that will be buried on the grounds of the IML office in Springfield. Suggested contributions include photographs, proclamations, local histories, lapel pins, letters, and other keepsakes that reflect the character and spirit of Illinois communities. Once assembled, the capsule will be sealed for fifty years and opened on July 4, 2076, during the nation’s 300th anniversary.
The deadline for submitting items is Wednesday, December 31. The IML is offering helpful resources on its website at iml.org/IL250, including a model resolution, a digital toolkit, and additional guidance. Items sent by mail should be addressed to: Illinois Municipal League, P.O. Box 5180, Springfield, IL 62705-5180.
IDOR Urges Residents to be Alert While Online Shopping
As the holiday gift-giving season kicks off, the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is urging Illinoisans to stay alert when shopping online and to take simple steps to protect themselves from fraud and identity theft.
According to the PEW Research Center, about 1 in 3 U.S. adults report experiencing an online shopping scam. The FBI also reported that online scams and internet crimes are on the rise, with a record $16.6 billion in losses occurring in 2024.
To help combat the increase in online scams and crimes, IDOR shared some helpful online safety tips for Illinois shoppers:
- Shop with trusted retailers
- Pay with a credit card, rather than debit cards or other payment options
- Check for secure websites and look for https in the URL
- Use strong passwords and enable multifactor authentication
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for online shopping or financial transactions
- Monitor your financial accounts regularly
- Protect your personal and tax information
- Be alert for delivery and tracking scams
Follow these helpful tips and tricks to stay alert and be on the lookout for cybercriminals this holiday season.