Wilcox Summer/Fall Events Calendar Coming Together
While almost all of my time is spent at the State Capitol this time of year, my staff and I are also putting the finishing touches on a comprehensive summer and fall outreach events calendar. This year’s offerings are all free, and offer something for everyone.
Please mark your calendars now for these upcoming events:
- June 22: Mobile DMV in Antioch
- June 30: Mobile DMV in Cary
- July 8: Conversations Untapped in Antioch
- July 22: ICASH/Unclaimed Property in McHenry
- July 29: ICASH/Unclaimed Property in Fox Lake
- August 6: Barks & Brews in Woodstock
- August 8: Document Shredding & Food Collection Drive in Woodstock
- August 13: Property Tax Assessments Seminar in McHenry
- August 25: IPASS on Demand in Lindenhurst
- September 10: IPASS on Demand in Woodstock
- October 14: Senior Expo in Crystal Lake
- October 25: Veterans Appreciation Luncheon & Expo in Lake Zurich
You can learn more about these events on the Events page of my website. Additional events will be added, so check the page often to learn the latest regarding events near you.
Senate Republicans Advance Legislation to Strengthen Online Protections for Children
Senate Republicans are advancing a legislative package aimed at strengthening protections for children online as concerns continue to grow about the risks young people face in today’s digital environment.
Children today are navigating online spaces that are more accessible and more complex than ever before. Families, educators, and policymakers have raised concerns about the impact of social media on mental health, exposure to harmful content, and the collection of personal data from minors.
The legislative package includes several proposals designed to address these concerns. Senate Bill 4046, known as the Social Media Age Restriction Act, would limit social media access for children under the age of 16. Senate Bill 3454, the Better Social Media Feeds Act, focuses on increasing transparency around how social media algorithms recommend content.
Additional measures include Senate Bill 2082, the Adult Content Age Verification Act, which would require age verification for websites that publish explicit material, and Senate Bill 3241, the Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, which strengthens privacy protections and limits how companies collect and use children’s data.
These proposals are intended to create reasonable safeguards, reduce exposure to harmful content, and ensure online platforms prioritize the safety and well-being of minors. The goal is to ensure policies keep pace with technology while giving families the tools they need to better protect children online.
Republicans Call for Changes to SAFE-T Act Following Officer’s Death
Republican lawmakers are calling for changes to Illinois’ SAFE-T Act following the tragic death of a Chicago police officer and the critical injury of another.
The incident has renewed debate about the impact of the SAFE-T Act and whether the current pretrial system is effectively protecting public safety.
Critics point to multiple cases across the state in which individuals on pretrial release have committed additional offenses, raising concerns about gaps in the law.
In response, Republican lawmakers are urging action to strengthen accountability and prevent repeat offenders from being released while awaiting trial.
Identical legislation, Senate Bill 4195 and House Bill 5757, has been introduced to address public safety concerns. The legislation would ensure that individuals on pretrial release are detained if they commit a new felony offense.
The goal is to close loopholes, improve public safety, and ensure that individuals who pose a risk to others are not allowed to remain in the community.
As discussions continue, the focus must remain on protecting residents and law enforcement while maintaining a fair and effective justice system.
Senate Republicans Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Law Enforcement Coordination
Senate Republicans are also pushing for changes to Illinois’ TRUST Act amid concerns that current policies are limiting law enforcement’s ability to protect communities.
Current policies restrict communication and coordination between local law enforcement and federal authorities, creating gaps that can allow dangerous individuals to remain in the state.
Supporters of reform argue that these limitations have tied the hands of law enforcement and made it more difficult to respond to public safety threats.
Angel Father Joe Abraham joined with Senate Republicans to unveil new legislation targeting the issue. Senate Bill 4196 has been introduced to address these concerns by amending the TRUST Act. The proposal removes barriers that prevent agencies from working together and restores coordination between local and federal law enforcement.
I believe the changes are necessary to close gaps in the system, strengthen cooperation, and ensure that public safety remains the top priority.
Energy Prices Remain Near Record Highs Following Latest MISO Auction
Illinois energy prices remain near historic highs following the latest capacity auction conducted by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO). The newest auction results show prices at $400 for a megawatt per day for the summer period, a near record high.
In 2023, capacity prices were just $10 megawatt per day. That figure rose to $30 in 2024 before surging dramatically in 2025, more than 20 times higher than just two years earlier.
These results indicate that rising energy costs are not a temporary spike but part of a continuing trend impacting Illinois families and businesses.
Energy experts point to a reduction in reliable, around-the-clock power generation as a key factor driving higher prices. Over time, Illinois has lost significant baseload capacity, tightening supply and increasing costs.
I firmly believe that state energy policies have contributed to this imbalance by forcing plant closures without ensuring adequate replacement generation. As prices remain elevated, concerns continue to grow about both affordability and long-term grid reliability, particularly during periods of peak demand.
Court Upholds Madigan Conviction, Reinforcing Accountability in Public Service
A federal appeals court has upheld the corruption conviction of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, finding the evidence of wrongdoing “overwhelming.” The court rejected arguments that his actions reflected routine politics, instead concluding he engaged in a clear quid pro quo, using his public office to benefit allies in exchange for financial gain tied to Commonwealth Edison and others.
In its opinion, the court emphasized that this conduct went far beyond typical political relationships or advocacy. Judges pointed to a sustained pattern in which official actions were linked to financial benefits for associates, underscoring that such arrangements violate the law and erode confidence in government. The ruling makes clear that longstanding influence or political stature does not place anyone above accountability.
When public officials abuse the public trust, accountability must follow. Upholding this conviction sends a strong message that corruption at any level of government will not be tolerated.
Senate Republicans say that at a time when restoring confidence in public institutions is critical, the court’s decision affirms the importance of ethical leadership and transparency. Illinois residents deserve a government that works in their best interests, and this ruling highlights the continued responsibility of public officials to serve with integrity.