Wilcox Champions Bills that Protect Victims of Domestic Violence
In response to the dramatic rise in domestic violence-related deaths in Illinois, I am championing a legislative package to help protect victims by strengthening enforcement of protective orders and providing more options for detainment to allow victims to get the help and services they need.
The proposal comes after the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence reported 137 domestic violence–related deaths in 2024, a 14 percent increase from the prior year and a 140 percent increase since 2022. The package offers solutions through the following bills:
Senate Bill 3139: Helps establish a cooling-off period in serious domestic violence cases by requiring suspects to prove they do not pose a real and present danger before being released pretrial. The bill applies to violations of orders of protection, civil no contact orders, stalking no contact orders, and cases involving domestic battery or aggravated domestic battery.
Senate Bill 3140: Increases penalties for abusers who violate orders of protection. Under the legislation, violating an order of protection would no longer be a misdemeanor, but would be a felony. Repeated violations would become a higher-class felony.
Senate Bill 3141: Imposes minimum holding times for repeat violations of protective, no contact, and stalking orders.
Senate Bill 3142: Enhances penalties for repeat offenders by requiring courts to consider prior convictions across different types of protective orders.
This collection of bills will protect victims, hold abusers accountable, and provide law enforcement and the courts with the tools needed to intervene before a tragedy or fatality. I am proud to serve as a co-sponsor of each one of them.
Wilcox Hosts Food Drive for Spring Grove Food Pantry
I recently learned that the Spring Grove Food Pantry is very low in food items and toiletries for residents who rely on the pantry for assistance. In response, I am hosting a food drive from February 9 through February 27 with hopes of refilling their shelves.
These winter months are often the most challenging time for local pantries, as donations tend to slow while the need from struggling families remains high, especially during periods of cold weather and increased household expenses. This food drive is an opportunity for community members to lend a helping hand and ensure families in need continue to have access to essential food items. Donations of non-perishable food items are greatly appreciated and will make an immediate impact for those relying on the Spring Grove Food Pantry this winter.
Your donations are appreciated, and they can be dropped off Monday through Friday at the following locations:
Senator Wilcox’s Office: 209 N. Benton Street, Woodstock, from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Spring Grove Village Hall: 7401 Meyer Road, Spring Grove, from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
I thank you in advance for your generosity.
Internship Opportunities in Senator Wilcox’s Office
As mentioned last week, I am launching a paid internship program, and am looking for bright high school and college students interested in learning more about the legislative process and how a legislative office operates.
These internships offer hands-on experience and provide direct exposure to District 32 operations. Interns will gain valuable professional skills in the areas of communication and community outreach, and develop meaningful connections with elected officials that can support future careers in law, government, or advocacy.
To learn more about my paid internship program, please click here. You can also contact John from my staff at jpicchiotti@sgop.ilga.gov.
New Grants Available to Preserve Illinois Historical Records
Illinois organizations that maintain historical records can now apply for funding through the 2026 Historical Records Grant Program. The Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board is offering grants of up to $5,000 to support projects that improve preservation and public access to historical materials.
Funded through a partnership with the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, the program supports efforts to digitize physical records and create searchable inventories, so collections are more accessible to the public.
Preserving historical records helps protect Illinois’ heritage and ensures future generations have access to reliable information, and targeted grants can help local archives and museums modernize operations without placing additional strain on taxpayers.
Grant awards range from $500 to $5,000 and require a one-to-one cash or in-kind match from recipients, encouraging local investment and accountability.
The application period runs from January 19 through March 13, 2026, with approved projects beginning July 1 and lasting one year. Eligible applicants include archives, libraries, museums, and universities across Illinois. Guidelines and application materials are available through the Illinois State Archives’ website.
$3.6 Million in Grants Available to Strengthen Local Food Infrastructure
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has announced $3.6 million in grant funding to support local food processing, aggregation, and distribution projects across the state. The funding is intended to help strengthen the infrastructure needed to get Illinois-grown food from farms to consumers.
Grant awards will be available for collaborative projects ranging from $1,000 to $250,000 and for individual projects ranging from $1,000 to $75,000. Eligible uses include purchasing or installing equipment and facilities related to processing, storage, aggregation, or distribution of value-added agricultural products.
Eligible applicants include small Illinois farms, cooperatives, food businesses, food hubs, processing facilities, nonprofit organizations, and units of local government with fewer than 50 employees. Slaughter and processing facilities must be properly licensed or qualify as custom-exempt facilities.
Applications for funding will open on February 18, 2026, on the Illinois Department of Agriculture website. Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare by registering with SAM.gov and the GATA Grantee Portal. Additional program details and guidance are available through the Department of Agriculture’s website.