Senate Republicans Unveil Legislative Agenda to Address Illinois’ Energy Affordability Crisis
During the first week of the spring legislative session, members of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus joined together to warn that Governor Pritzker’s so-called Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA) will make an already serious energy affordability crisis even worse for families and small businesses across the state. Pritzker recently signed the measure into law.
After years of record-high electric bills, CRGA removes important consumer protections, including long-standing rate caps that limited how high utility costs could climb. The law also shifts billions of dollars in new costs and financial risk onto ratepayers while expanding the authority of unelected regulators to make decisions that could have a severe impact on Illinois power bills.
Click here to watch the Senate Republicans’ press conference.
Families are already struggling, and this law does nothing to bring relief. Instead of making things better, CRGA weakens protections, strips local control, and doubles down on policies that drive costs higher.
Of additional concern is how CRGA prioritizes expensive, short-duration technologies that cannot replace reliable baseload power. Reducing reliable generation while increasing mandates has driven prices higher and made the grid less dependable.
Senate Republicans are offering clear alternatives to this ill-conceived new law. Our proposals focus on restoring rate caps, expanding reliable energy sources like nuclear power and natural gas, allowing new generation to be built more quickly, and repealing forced shutdown dates that reduce the supply of electricity. We are also advancing legislation to restore local siting authority for wind and solar equipment, so communities have a voice in decisions that affect their residents.
IDNR Announces Grants for Local Park Projects
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has announced that $36 million in grant funding has been awarded to 67 local park projects throughout the state. A nice-sized chunk of money is being allocated for projects in McHenry and Lake County in or near the 32nd District. Projects include:
- Village of Algonquin, Willoughby Farms Park – $600,000
- Huntley Park District, Project Horizon, phase 1 – $600,000
- Lake County Forest Preserve District, accessibility site improvements at Lake Carina Forest – $600,000
- City of Lake Forest, South Park, phase 2 – $600,000
- City of Waukegan, Waukegan Dune and Beach Access Plan – $573,000
The funding was distributed through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program, a state-funded initiative that helps local administrations acquire land and develop parks, nature areas, and other outdoor recreational spaces. Grants can cover up to 50 percent of a project’s total cost, and up to 90 percent for under-resourced communities.
Since OSLAD was established in 1986, the program has provided more than $675 million to support park projects across Illinois.
Still Time to Participate in Senator Wilcox’s Valentines for Seniors Card Drive
There’s still time to participate in my Valentines for Seniors program! Cards are starting to come in, but we need many, many more! Homemade or store-bought cards will be delivered to assisted living centers, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities across the 32nd Senate District during the week of Valentine’s Day. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to create a few cards. Your efforts will help put smiles on the faces of those who often feel lonely.
Cards and drawings can be dropped off or mailed between now and February 6 at my Woodstock office from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Those who cannot drop off cards while the office is open or mail them should call the office at (815) 455-6330 to make arrangements for them to be picked up.
Senator Wilcox’s Office
209 North Benton Street
Woodstock, IL 60098
For additional information about this program, please contact Abby at amccarthy@sgop.ilga.gov, or call my office at (815) 455-6330.