Wilcox to Offer One-Stop Shopping for IPASS on Demand and ICASH/Unclaimed Property
This Thursday, I am bringing two valuable state services together under one roof, giving residents of the 32nd Senate District an opportunity to take care of their IPASS needs and search for missing money — all in one convenient stop.
The Illinois Tollway’s mobile team and representatives from the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office will be at the Dorr Township Building in Woodstock on Thursday, September 10, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Residents can have their plastic IPASS transponders replaced with the new sticker technology, get assistance with their accounts or “Pay by Plate” issues, and search the Treasurer’s ICASH database for unclaimed property, cash, or other assets.
IPASS stickers are free when obtained at this event. Once registered to an existing IPASS account, the sticker can be used immediately on the Illinois Tollway and within 24 hours on the Chicago Skyway and other E-ZPass roadways. IPASS account balances will be forwarded to the new accounts. Residents who plan to switch to IPASS stickers should bring their existing plastic transponder(s) and have their vehicle license plate number(s) available to help expedite the process.
The event also gives residents the opportunity to find out whether they have money or other assets waiting for them through the Illinois Treasurer’s ICASH program. The Treasurer’s Office currently holds more than $5 billion in unclaimed property, including forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payments, utility refunds, stocks, bonds, and other assets. The state serves as the custodian of the property until it can be returned to its rightful owner.
For additional information about this event, please contact my office at (815) 455-6330.
DCEO Now Accepting Applications for Pre-Apprenticeship Program
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is now accepting applications for the latest round of funding through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.
Launched in 2021, the program provides training opportunities designed to strengthen the workforce pipeline and expand access to careers in the construction and building trades.
This marks the sixth round of funding for the program, with $25 million available. Funding supports tuition-free training, participant stipends, industry-recognized certifications, and other services intended to help individuals prepare and qualify for registered apprenticeship programs.
Eligible applicants include industry associations, chambers of commerce, local workforce areas, community colleges, technical schools, school districts, and other nonprofit community-based organizations.
Since 2021, the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program has awarded more than $70 million to organizations across the state that provide recruitment, pre-screening, and pre-apprenticeship skills training at no cost to participants.
Grant awards will range from $150,000 to $550,000. Applications will be accepted through October 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. To learn more or to apply for the program, click here.
Wilcox to Host Bears Opening Day Watch Party and Discussion on Efforts to Keep Bears in Illinois
With the future of the Chicago Bears in Illinois still uncertain, I am inviting District 32 residents and Bears fans to join me for an opening day watch party and community discussion about efforts to keep Illinois’ beloved NFL franchise in Illinois. I am partnering with Americans for Prosperity- Illinois for this event.
We will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a discussion focused on the proposals considered during the spring legislative session to address the Bears’ potential move to Hammond, Indiana. I will provide an overview of the proposals, including the potential advantages and drawbacks of each, and discuss what lawmakers should consider as negotiations continue.
Bears Opening Day Watch Party and Discussion
Sunday, September 13
10:30 a.m. until the end of the game
McHenry VFW
3002 IL Route 120
McHenry, IL 60151
The discussion will also give residents an opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts about what Illinois should do next.
Following the discussion, attendees are invited to stay for food, beverages and the Bears’ noon kickoff against the Carolina Panthers as Chicago opens the 2026-27 NFL season.
Another Week, Another Bad Audit: New DCFS Audit Adds to Growing Record of Failed Leadership Under Governor Pritzker
Following a series of bad audits in recent weeks, another new state audit is raising fresh concerns about Governor JB Pritzker’s management of state government. This time auditors found persistent failures within the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) involving safeguards designed to protect some of the state’s most vulnerable children.
The Illinois Auditor General released a follow-up performance audit of DCFS on September 2, examining the agency’s compliance with requirements established under Ta’Naja’s Law. The law was enacted following the death of 2-year-old Ta’Naja Barnes, who died approximately six months after being returned to her mother’s custody.
The audit found that despite years of warnings and previous recommendations for improvement, significant deficiencies remain.
Among the most troubling findings, DCFS was unable to provide 329 of the 399 required Home Safety Checklists within auditors’ sample of 50 cases. Only 70, or 18 percent, of the required checklists could be provided.
Home Safety Checklists are intended to promote child safety and are required in cases that include when a child is being returned home. According to the Auditor General, failing to perform the checklists as required increases the risk that a child could be living in an unsafe environment without that danger being identified.
Auditors also identified significant gaps involving health care for children in DCFS’ care. In the cases sampled, supporting documentation could not be found for 31 of 196 required physical examinations, 33 of 114 required vision screenings, 52 of 82 required hearing screenings, and 171 of 336 required dental examinations and cleanings.
Mental health services also raised concerns. In three of the 30 cases sampled, auditors found excessive delays between when therapy was recommended and when a child actually began receiving services. Those children waited 298 days, 300 days, and 524 days, respectively.
Staffing remains another significant challenge. Based on December 2024 reports, auditors found an overall worker vacancy rate of 13 percent across the Child Protection, Intact Family Services, and Permanency divisions. The Permanency Division alone had 113 vacant positions out of 412 workers needed, a vacancy rate of 27 percent. The division also had 35 of 123 needed supervisor positions vacant, or 28 percent.
The latest findings are just one more example of a larger pattern of failed leadership and inadequate oversight under the Pritzker Administration. Illinoisans should be able to expect that when state government identifies a serious failure, particularly one involving the safety of children, the Governor’s Administration will correct it. After nearly eight years in office, Governor Pritzker must take responsibility for the performance of the agencies he oversees and deliver the accountability Illinois families deserve.
IDFPR Continues Rollout of New Online Licensing System
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is continuing the rollout of its new online licensing system, the Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment, known as CORE.
Phase 3 of the transition is currently underway, with 131 professions now available through CORE for new license applications. Renewals are also available through CORE for individuals who submitted their original application through the new system.
As Phase 3 continues, IDFPR plans to transition all Division of Professional Regulation license types and functions into CORE. That includes all application types, enforcement functions, and the migration of existing license records from the department’s legacy systems. Phase 4, which is expected to come soon, will transition the Division of Real Estate into the new system.
CORE is designed to provide a more user-friendly and mobile-friendly licensing experience, including a streamlined application process and a more efficient review process for all license applications and fees.
For transactions that have not yet moved to CORE, including certain renewals, restorations, and reinstatements, licensees should continue using IDFPR’s existing process until notified otherwise.
A list of professions currently available through CORE, along with additional information and application instructions, can be found at idfpr.illinois.gov/core.
Teacher Shortage Continues as Pritzker Administration Cuts Vacancy Grant Funding by Two-Thirds
Illinois schools continue to face challenges recruiting and retaining qualified teachers, but a state program designed specifically to address teacher shortages has seen its funding cut by roughly two-thirds.
The Teacher Vacancy Grant program received $45 million annually in Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025, providing resources to 170 school districts experiencing significant teacher vacancies.
Funding was reduced to $30 million for Fiscal Year 2026. For the current Fiscal Year 2027 budget, the program has been reduced again to just $15 million.
The latest reduction means Teacher Vacancy Grant funding has fallen by $30 million, or roughly 67 percent, from its inception.
The number of participating school districts has also been reduced. While 170 districts participated in the original pilot program, only 100 districts will receive grants in FY27. As a result, 70 school districts that previously received state assistance to recruit and retain teachers will no longer receive funding through the program.
The reductions come as Illinois continues working to address teacher shortages, despite reported improvements among districts participating in the grant program.
The reductions have also raised questions about the Pritzker Administration’s spending priorities. While the FY27 state budget provides only $15 million for Teacher Vacancy Grants, roughly $150 million is being spent on programs and services for noncitizens by the Pritzker Administration.
With schools continuing to compete for qualified educators, the reductions mean fewer state resources are available for districts working to recruit teachers, retain experienced educators, and keep Illinois classrooms staffed.