Legislators Return to Springfield for Lame Duck Session
Illinois lawmakers are in Springfield from Saturday, January 4 through Tuesday, January 7 for a “lame-duck session” to tackle the remaining business of the 103rd General Assembly.
In years when they occur, lame-duck sessions are held after the election and the Fall Veto Session, and before newly elected lawmakers are sworn into office. In my opinion, it’s widely seen as a time when outgoing legislators may be more likely to vote in favor of controversial legislation without fear of political repercussions. We see some of the worst legislation during lame duck sessions.
The most recent lame-duck session took place in January 2023 and saw the passage of a weapons ban and an expansion of abortion services. The 2021 lame-duck session led to the passage of the controversial SAFE-T Act. Back in 2011, the lame-duck session led to the passage of a 67% increase in the state’s income tax.
Senator DeWitte’s Valentines for Seniors Event Underway
With Valentines Day just weeks away, I am launching my 5th annual “Valentines for Seniors” card drive throughout the 33rd District. Last year we collected thousands of cards and I hope to have an even greater response this year.
To brighten the days of seniors and make sure they know they are a valued part of the community, I am asking students from public and private schools, church groups, scouting organizations and other groups to create homemade cards and drawings that will be delivered to assisted living centers, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities across the 33rd Senate District during the week of Valentine’s Day.
Cards and drawings can be mailed to or dropped off at my district offices in West Dundee and St. Charles between now and February 7. My office staff and I will personally deliver the cards and drawings on your behalf the week of Valentine’s Day.
Valentines can be dropped off or mailed to:
West Dundee Office
641 S. 8th St.
West Dundee, IL 60118
St. Charles Office
406 Surrey Woods Drive , Suite A
St. Charles, IL 60174
If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please contact Abby at amccarthy@sgop.ilga.gov.
Loneliness can be a real issue for the elderly, so it’s nice to bring them some joy so they know we’re thinking of them. Let’s all do our part to make sure this area’s seniors feel appreciated!
New General Assembly A Time to Welcome Opportunities
The 104th General Assembly will convene on January 8. The convening of a new two-year General Assembly is a time for lawmakers to renew their commitment to finding solutions for current challenges and embrace new opportunities for Illinois. The state faces significant challenges, making it critical for Senate members to focus on responsible solutions that are in the best interest of Illinois families.
The Illinois state budget faces a projected deficit of more than $3 billion in the next fiscal year, due in part to a significant increase in state spending fueled by legislative Democrats. Spending growth has been further driven by Governor JB Pritzker’s initiatives, including programs for migrants and illegal immigrants, such as free healthcare, which cost Illinois taxpayers over $1 billion annually. To support these programs, the Governor recently enacted $1 billion in tax increases.
I am urging Governor Pritzker to balance the upcoming budget without raising taxes, as struggling Illinoisans cannot afford to cover the cost of the Governor’s self-made budget crisis.
Unemployment Numbers Troublesome
The end of 2024 brought little relief for Illinois workers, with unemployment remaining stubbornly high at levels well above the national average.
State reports showed Illinois companies announced 1,176 layoffs in November. October’s unemployment rate of 5.3% was the third highest in the nation, with job reports indicating an estimated 346,000 Illinoisans were seeking work. Meanwhile, Illinois ranked 37th in the nation for business tax climate, according to the Tax Foundation’s 2024 State Business Tax Climate report.
Fiscal responsibility, balanced budgets, and common-sense economic growth initiatives are opportunities that could help boost jobs and restore prosperity to Illinois communities.