Wilcox Hosts Bears Faithful for Opening Day Watch and Discussion on Bears’ Future in Illinois
We had a nice-sized group come out on NFL Opening Day over the weekend, as I hosted a watch party and discussion about the future of the Chicago Bears in Illinois. We discussed the two different legislative proposals that failed to advance during the 2026 legislative session, and talked about potential next steps if the State of Illinois is to remain the home of our beloved NFL franchise. Thanks to everyone who came out! The 59 points the Bears put on the board against the Carolina Panthers suggest it could be a really great year for our Bears!
Legislative Inspector General Resigns as Ethics Commission Begins Search for Replacement
Illinois Legislative Inspector General Michael McCuskey is stepping down as the General Assembly’s top ethics watchdog, with the Legislative Ethics Commission accepting his resignation effective September 30. The Commission plans to appoint an acting inspector general beginning October 1 while it searches for a permanent replacement.
The Legislative Inspector General serves as an independent watchdog over members of the General Assembly and certain legislative employees, with authority to investigate allegations involving ethics violations, misconduct, fraud, waste, abuse and other wrongdoing connected to public duties or the use of state office and resources. State law allows the Legislative Ethics Commission to appoint an acting LIG following a vacancy while the process of selecting a permanent replacement moves forward.
The transition comes amid increased scrutiny of legislative ethics following several separate controversies involving current and former House Democrats, including the Legislative Inspector General’s findings of sexual harassment against former State Representative Harry Benton, federal charges against State Representative Carol Ammons, and allegations against State Representative Amy “Murri” Briel.
The LIG has long played an important role in ensuring allegations of misconduct within the General Assembly are independently reviewed and addressed. With recent cases placing renewed attention on ethics and accountability at the Capitol, he/she says it is especially important that the office remains effective and that whoever serves as the state’s legislative watchdog is able to carry out those responsibilities thoroughly and independently.
The Legislative Ethics Commission has posted the permanent LIG position and set an October 31application deadline.
Wilcox Hosts Successful IPASS/ICASH Event in Woodstock
Despite the ongoing construction in Woodstock that had Lake Avenue traffic at a crawl on Thursday, I was pleased to see such a successful turnout for my IPASS on Demand and ICASH/Unclaimed Property Event at the Dorr Township building. About 120 people came through the event and 148 IPASS stickers were distributed to attendees. Several also found unclaimed property/cash that was being held by the State of Illinois. Thanks to everyone who braved the traffic snarls and attended this event.
Pritzker Doubles Down on Logan Closure Despite Economic Concerns
At a recent press conference, Governor JB Pritzker doubled down on his Administration’s record, describing himself as the most economic development-focused governor since Jim Thompson. However, several key economic indicators show Illinois continuing to trail the nation and neighboring states.
Illinois’ unemployment rate stood at 4.9 percent in July, above the national rate of 4.1 percent and higher than several neighboring states. Between 2019 and 2024, Illinois added jobs at a rate of 4.5 percent, nearly half the national growth rate of 8.2 percent. Illinois also saw real personal income grow at 6.2 percent compared to the nation’s 13.6 percent over the five-year period, while the state’s real GDP severely lagged behind the rest of the nation.
Illinois has also seen several prominent employers move their headquarters or operations elsewhere in recent years. Boeing moved its headquarters from Chicago to Virginia, Caterpillar relocated its headquarters from Deerfield to Texas, and Citadel moved its headquarters from Chicago to Florida. More recently, True Value’s headquarters is being moved from Chicago to Fort Wayne, Indiana, following its acquisition by Do it Best. Tyson Foods has also announced the closure of its Joslin facility, affecting more than 2,000 workers.
Senate Republicans have also introduced a series of proposals addressing Illinois’ economic climate and the costs facing employers, workers and families.
The proposals include Senate Bill 3786, which would create tax credits for qualifying Illinois-headquartered businesses and their employees; Senate Bill 3792, creating a state income tax deduction for qualifying gratuities; Senate Bill 137, increasing the vendor’s discount for qualifying smaller retailers and service providers; and Senate Bill 3873, making Illinois’ Research and Development Tax Credit permanent. Other proposals address health insurance costs and the state’s estate tax.
The Governor’s economic claims do not match the reality many Illinois communities are experiencing. Illinois needs policies that protect existing jobs, encourage new investment and create lasting economic opportunities across the entire state.
Farm Safety Week Serves as Reminder Ahead of Harvest
With harvest season getting underway across Illinois, National Farm Safety and Health Week is serving as a reminder for farmers and motorists alike to slow down, stay alert and make safety a priority.
The week of recognition, running from September 21 through 25 and recognized since 1944, works to raise awareness about the safety and health of people working in agriculture. This year’s theme is “Safety Today, Success Tomorrow,” and includes a focus on equipment and roadway safety, health and wellness, cancer prevention, confined spaces, and other risks commonly faced in agriculture.
Harvest is one of the busiest times of year for Illinois farmers, with long days, heavy equipment and more farm vehicles traveling on rural roads. Drivers are encouraged to watch for slow-moving equipment, avoid passing unless it is safe to do so and give farmers plenty of room on the roadway.
Farmers are also encouraged to take extra precautions around machinery, grain bins and other dangerous areas, while keeping fatigue and overall health in mind while working the fields.
More information and farm safety resources are available through the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety.