Senators DeWitte, Holmes Provide Bipartisan End of Session Report at Metro West Event
Bipartisanship is alive and well in Kane County. Last week Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) and I shared the microphone as we presented a shared End of Session wrap-up presentation at the Metro West Council of Government’s annual legislative BBQ. Metro West represents 750,000 resident voices in Kane, Kendall, and DeKalb Counties.
As lawmakers from different sides of the aisle in Springfield, Senator Holmes and I explained the 80-10-10 rule, which is that roughly 80% of the legislation brought before the Senate receives unanimous Republican and Democrat support, 10% receives bipartisan support, and only about 10% receive votes that are along party lines. Sadly, it is that last 10% that makes headlines.
We also discussed bills we worked on together, bills we disagreed on, and issues we both believe still require more work, like ethics, pension reform, public safety, and support for local government. We did touch on issues where there is disagreement, but when Senator Holmes and I disagree it is always done with respect and kindness.
Switch Out Your IPASS Transponder with the new IPASS Sticker at July 10 Event in St. Charles
As you probably know, the Illinois Tollway is phasing out the plastic IPASS transponders and transitioning to a sticker. On Wednesday, July 10 from noon until 4:00 PM, State Rep. Dan Ugaste and I are partnering with the Illinois Tollway for an “IPASS On Demand” event at our shared office in St. Charles.
Officials from the Illinois Tollway will be on hand to help people transfer over to the new sticker technology and ensure people can make the switch without disruption to their IPASS account activity. Along with providing this service, the tollway officials can help people with questions they may have about their IPASS account and with “Pay by Plate” issues.
Once activated, the sticker tag can be used on the Illinois tollway and on E-Z Pass roadways in other states within 24 hours of activation. There is no deposit required for the sticker and the $10 transponder deposit that was paid when a transponder was purchased will transfer to the new account when it is activated. For additional information about this free event, please contact my events coordinator Paige at pbuente@sgop.ilga.gov.
Additionally, please mark your calendars for these other upcoming events:
- June 26: Traveling Office Hours: Algonquin Public Library, 2600 Harnish Dr, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- July 11: Traveling Office Hours: Gail Borden Public Library, South Elgin Branch, 127 S McLean Blvd, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- July 23: Traveling Office Hours: Crystal Lake Public Library, 126 W Paddock St, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- August 1: Traveling Office Hours, Geneva Public Library, 227 S 7th St, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- August 7: Mobile Secretary of State Event, DeWitte West Dundee Office, 641 S Eighth Street, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- August 19: Traveling Office Hours, Dundee Township Rakow Center, 665 Barrington Ave, Carpentersville, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- August 24: Prescription Drug Drop-Off, West Dundee Police Department, 555 S 8th St, West Dundee, Time TBA
- September 24: I-CASH Unclaimed Property Day, Algonquin Village Hall, 2200 Harnish Drive, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- October 5: Senior Expo, Dundee Township Rakow Center, 665 Barrington Ave, Carpentersville, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- October 15: Senior Expo, Crystal Lake Park District Grand Oaks Building, 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Please visit the Events Page on my website to learn more about these and other events.
Legal Battle Over Illinois Election Law Amendment Intensifies
The legal battle over a controversial new election law, recently found unconstitutional by a Sangamon County judge, intensified this week as legislative allies of Governor JB Pritzker petitioned the Illinois Supreme Court to review and reverse the ruling.
Senate Bill 2412, signed into law by Governor Pritzker in May, introduced significant changes to an election process already underway. One of the law’s most contentious provisions aimed to halt the process of slating candidates to fill ballot vacancies—a process already in progress statewide.
The legislation drew swift and widespread criticism from good government groups and numerous newspaper editorial boards, who viewed it as a blatant power move by Illinois Democrats designed to safeguard incumbents and limit voter choices.
In response to the controversy, candidates affected in the 2024 election cycle challenged the law, leading to a ruling in early June by a Sangamon County judge declaring the law unconstitutional for the 2024 election.
Following this decision, Democrats are now seeking to overturn the ruling, appealing to the Illinois Supreme Court where Democrats hold a 5-2 majority.
Legislation Passed to Regulate Historic Bridges
During the spring session, lawmakers worked together to address concerns about the future of historic bridges that, while still in use, pose potential safety risks to drivers and communities.
Senate Bill 3622, sponsored by Senator Steve McClure, allows the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council to recommend that a bridge be removed from the National Register of Historic Places if the bridge is less than 22 feet wide with a banister at least 18 inches tall, is on or crosses a township road, and will be renovated or rebuilt.
The proposal recognizes the importance of preserving historic places while also providing a pathway forward to allow for much-needed repairs or replacements to address safety concerns.
SB 3622 passed unanimously in both chambers earlier this year and now awaits the Governor’s signature.
Illinois State Fair Returns to Springfield in August, Tickets on Sale Now!
The Illinois State Fair is set to return to Springfield later this summer, celebrating its 171st year. The event will run from August 8th through the 18th at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, continuing a longstanding tradition that brings together residents and visitors for a variety of activities and events.
Tickets for the Grandstand events are now available, featuring headliners such as Miranda Lambert, Lil Wayne, and Motley Crue. Additionally, the Twilight Parade is scheduled for August 8th, with entries due by July 8th.
The fair also offers employment and volunteer opportunities for the summer, with applications currently being accepted. For more information, including schedules, ticket purchases, and entry forms, visit the official Illinois State Fair website at statefair.illinois.gov.
Secretary of State Launches Mobile DMV
In an effort to streamline services for Illinois drivers, the Secretary of State’s Office has introduced its first electric-powered mobile DMV.
The DMV on Wheels program will offer the following services:
- Driver’s License renewals
- Vehicle registration renewals
- Vehicle sticker services
- REAL ID applications
- License or state ID replacements
Equipped with onboard connectivity, these mobile units allow Illinois residents to handle various transactions without needing to travel to a fixed DMV location.
The DMV on wheels program is set for a full release by the end of June, starting with Chicago and its suburbs, followed by three additional locations by the end of the summer.