DeWitte Participates in Groundbreaking for ECC’s New Manufacturing & Technology Center
It was a distinct privilege to attend and speak at the official groundbreaking for Elgin Community College’s (ECC) new 150,000-square-foot Manufacturing and Technology Center. This momentous day was six years in the making. Efforts to fund the project were bipartisan, and it was a pleasure to work with nearby Democratic legislators to secure funding for the new Center. This collaboration is proof that when Republicans and Democrats work together, we achieve tremendous results.
As an ECC alum, I am particularly excited to see my alma mater expanding and enhancing its offerings with cutting-edge facilities and programs. This new center represents not just a building, but a gateway to future opportunities for our students and a boost to our local economy.
The new center will offer state-of-the-art training in critical fields, providing ECC graduates and certificate-holders with opportunities to enter well-paying, family-supporting careers. Manufacturing and technology are not just pillars of our economy; they are vital to Illinois’ future. By expanding its programs in these areas, ECC is positioning itself as a leader in preparing the next generation of skilled professionals.
The new programs in industrial manufacturing, maintenance technology, HVAC-R, energy management, and welding at the Manufacturing and Technology Center will address the critical demand for skilled workers, ensuring that degree and certificate-holders are equipped to meet the needs of employers throughout the state and nation.
With approximately 14,000 manufacturers in Illinois, the demand for skilled talent has never been greater. The training provided by ECC’s new center will make those with degrees and certificates highly competitive in the job market, filling the significant gap left by evolving technologies and retiring Baby Boomers.
DeWitte Hosts Successful Senior Fair in St. Charles
I held my second of three fall Senior Fairs last week, and we had a great turnout in St. Charles. I was glad to see so many local seniors come out and take advantage of the dozens of booths onsite that were staffed by those who cater to the needs of local seniors.
I saw some familiar faces and met several new people too at this event. I am glad to organize events like this that help our aging population and appreciate the vendors who agreed to bring their materials and services to the fair.
My third and final Senior Fair of the year is scheduled for October 15 in Crystal Lake. If you have not attended one of these fairs yet, please mark your calendar of the September 15 event at the northern tip of my Senate District.
Over the weekend I also co-hosted an extremely success document shredding event in Pingree Grove. Thanks to all who dropped off their sensitive documents for shredding, and also to the event volunteers who unloaded items from a steady stream of vehicles.
My fall events calendar continues, with the following additional events:
- September 24: I-CASH Unclaimed Property Day: Algonquin Village Hall, 2200 Harnish Drive, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- September 30- October 16: Coat Drive: Drop-off at DeWitte Offices (641 South 8th Street, West Dundee, and 406 Surrey Woods Drive, Unit A, St. Charles) offices open M-F from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- October 15: Senior Expo: Crystal Lake Park District Grand Oaks Building, 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- October 28: IPASS on Demand: Algonquin Township Building, 3702 U.S. Route 14, Crystal Lake
Please visit the Events Page on my website to learn more about these and other events.
Cyberattacks Against Governmental Entities on the Rise
Government agencies across the country, including in Illinois, are facing the difficult challenge of dealing with an alarming rise in cyberattacks. Recent data from the Center for Internet Security reveals a drastic increase in malware and ransomware attacks, with a 148 percent surge in malware incidents and a 51 percent rise in ransomware attacks during the first eight months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.
Several government offices in Illinois have been targeted by these cyber threats. Earlier this year, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office experienced a data security breach, and both Henry and Tazewell counties dealt with ransomware attacks that disrupted their daily operations. The growing trend of cyberattacks against governmental entities is of great concern for state and local governments as they strive to protect sensitive information and maintain critical services.
To that end, government agencies throughout the state and nation are strengthening their defenses by upgrading equipment, enhancing security awareness training, and collaborating at both state and federal levels to block known cyber threats.
While these efforts are crucial, cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. They target not only data systems but also technologies like drones used by law enforcement.
All government entities must take the threat of cyberattacks seriously and continue implementing proactive measures to prevent future incidents as protecting digital infrastructures from bad actors must remain a top priority.
Bright Start Program Changes Coming Soon
Families enrolled in the Bright Start College Savings Program (Bright Start 529) will see several changes starting September 30, as TIAA, a major provider of 529 college savings plans, takes over as the program manager.
Bright Start is a 529 college savings plan typically sponsored by a state and can be used to save for higher education. Illinois’ Bright Start Program is already recognized as one of the lowest-cost 529 savings plans in the U.S. With the upcoming changes, families will see total average weighted fees reduced by another 13 percent.
Additionally, a new Bright Start 529 mobile app will be introduced. The app will allow account owners to manage their accounts, check balances, and open new accounts for beneficiaries via their smartphones. It will also streamline processes such as sending funds directly to colleges.
Illinois parents or legal guardians can also claim the Illinois First Steps $50 seed deposit online when opening a Bright Start 529 account for a child born or adopted on or after January 1, 2023, eliminating the need for paper forms.
To accommodate the transition, no withdrawals, contributions, or account changes will be processed between 3 p.m. Wednesday, September 25, and Sunday, September 29. Full account access and transaction capabilities will resume at 7 a.m. on Monday, September 30.