Happy Thanksgiving!
During this season of gratitude, may your heart be filled with warmth and joy as you gather with loved ones to celebrate all the blessings in your life. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the good things we often take for granted—good health, cherished friendships, and the simple moments that bring us happiness. As we share a meal and create memories together, let’s take a moment to appreciate the love and support that surrounds us. May your home be filled with laughter, your heart with peace, and your spirit with thankfulness. Wishing you a Thanksgiving full of joy, gratitude, and unforgettable moments that will last throughout the year.
DeWitte: There is more than money that rewards dignity for IDD community
I was honored last week to join Executive Director Hugo Saltijeral, staff, and a number of employees from Valley Sheltered Workshop (VSW) in Batavia, to debate “Pay with Dignity” legislation in Springfield this week. While bill sponsors’ intentions are sincere, the impacts of these costly overhead increases to meet the minimum wage are yet to be seen and may cost some their jobs. There is more than money that rewards dignity to developmentally disabled individuals from organizations like VSW who make their contributions to society every day.
Senator DeWitte Warns of Tax Hikes and Budget Sweeps
Veto session concluded on November 21, and as we prepare for the 2025 legislative session, I fear Illinoisans may be in for new tax hikes and budget sweeps as majority party Democrats try to plug a $3.2 billion budget deficit projected for the next fiscal year.
State spending has grown by more than 30% under Governor Pritzker, leading to the approval of a record-high $53 billion budget for the current fiscal year. The budget includes $1 billion in tax hikes and over $1 billion in spending for healthcare and other services and programs for noncitizens.
There were zero discussions during veto session about how state government will rein in spending and act responsibly in 2025-2026. I believe the Governor and his allies in the General Assembly are once again going to impose add new taxes and sweep more revenue away from current budget areas like the motor fuel fund and the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF).
The Governor has routinely swept funds away from LGDF, and these are funds our local governments use to balance their budgets and pay for critical services like police and fire protection. I believe his repeal of the grocery tax earlier this year was a shot across the bow at local government. I fear he is going to go after them again in 2025-2026 with additional budget sweeps of funds that rightly belong to local units of government. I will stand up for municipalities and oppose any attempt to further weaken their financial positions.
As you may recall, in 2024 I sponsored legislation that would eliminate the grocery tax and backfill lost revenue by returning funds regularly swept from LGDF back into that fund for use by municipalities. My bill was blocked, and the Pritzker administration instead eliminated the tax and put in place an ability for local units of government to raise taxes on their own to cover the shortfall.
Unfortunately, we are now learning that the ‘process’ the Governor put in place will not work for many non-home rule municipalities, Whether it was bad faith negotiations or a mere refusal to examine or understand the consequences of his actions, Governor Pritzker’s repeal of the grocery tax has handcuffed nearly 200 non-home rule municipalities from being able to recover the lost funds that resulted from Pritzker budget gimmicks this year.
I hear almost daily from constituents who are barely making ends meet and cannot afford any more taxes. I, along with all of my colleagues in the Senate Republican Caucus, are urging the creation of a balanced 2025-2026 budget that does not include any new taxes.
Higher Heating Bills Expected for Illinois This Winter
As winter approaches, Illinois residents should prepare for higher heating bills compared to last year. The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) annual winter energy outlook predicts rising natural gas and electricity costs, particularly in northern states and the Midwest.
Last winter’s record warmth kept energy costs relatively low. However, the EIA forecasts colder temperatures this year, driving up heating expenses. According to MoneyGeek, households in Illinois may see a $10 to $15 monthly increase in natural gas bills, depending on factors like home size and thermostat settings.
To help manage costs, residents can take steps such as sealing drafts, using programmable thermostats, and lowering the thermostat at night. Additionally, eligible households can apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps low-income families cover energy bills. Applications are currently open and those who believe they qualify for assistance can click here for more information.
How Much Will Thanksgiving Dinner Cost in Illinois This Year?
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy a festive meal, but hosting the traditional feast comes with costs that have risen significantly in recent years. While there’s good news about turkey prices, the overall expense of Thanksgiving dinner remains higher than before the pandemic.
In Illinois, the average cost of Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people is $62.84, placing the state in the mid-range of affordability nationwide, according to GOBankingRates.
Turkey, often the centerpiece of the meal, is one area where shoppers might find some relief. Thanks to increased production and fewer avian flu cases, the average price of a 16-pound turkey has dropped to $25.67 this year, down from $27.47 last year. However, other Thanksgiving staples like stuffing, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie mix remain higher than they were before the pandemic. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, overall food prices have risen 25% since 2019, with Thanksgiving food items up 19%.
For families looking to save, many retailers often offer special deals, such as budget-friendly meal packages and discounts on holiday essentials. Shoppers are also encouraged to compare store-brand options with name brands to find additional savings. However, experts caution to be mindful of “shrinkflation,” a trend where package sizes are reduced while prices remain the same, which has been noted in items like frozen peas and green beans.
Staying Safe This Thanksgiving
As Illinois residents prepare for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, whether they are cooking at home or traveling to visit loved ones, it is important to prioritize safety. Both the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the American Red Cross have shared valuable tips to ensure your holiday is safe and enjoyable.
Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking fires in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). To avoid accidents, stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling food, and keep flammable items like towels and paper away from heat sources. Be prepared for emergencies by keeping a metal lid or baking sheet nearby to smother grease fires.
With over 132 million people expected to travel for Thanksgiving this year, road safety is equally important. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, pack an emergency kit with essentials, and check the weather forecast before leaving. Avoid distractions, take breaks on long trips, and rotate drivers when necessary. If winter weather causes delays or you get stuck, stay with your vehicle, keep the exhaust pipe clear, and use a brightly colored cloth to signal for help.
A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a safe and joyful holiday season.
Illinois Workers Can Now Claim Unpaid Wages Through I-CASH
Illinois workers now have a new way to recover unpaid wages and penalties, thanks to a collaboration between the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office and the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL).
A recent change in state law allows IDOL to transfer unclaimed wages to the Treasurer’s Office after three years if workers cannot be located. These funds are added to the Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Trust Fund, enabling workers to search for their money on the I-CASH website.
Wage theft investigations conducted by IDOL often take time, during which workers may move or lose contact, complicating the distribution of recovered wages. Site-wide audits can also uncover back wages owed to workers who were unaware of underpayment. The new process addresses these challenges by extending the timeframe for workers to claim their money and providing additional resources.