ICASH Unclaimed Property Event in St. Charles on Wednesday
Don’t forget that this week I am partnering with State Representative Dan Ugaste to help connect residents of the 33rd Senate District with more than $5 billion in unclaimed property and cash. From 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM on Wednesday, March 26 at our shared St. Charles office, attendees can meet with a counselor from the Illinois Treasurer’s Office to learn if some of the unclaimed items are theirs. In addition to helping people search for property and cash, counselors can help them file claims.
We have had tremendous success in helping people find cash and property they didn’t even know they were owed, and about one in four searches are successful.
ICASH Unclaimed Property Day
Wednesday, March 26
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
DeWitte-Ugaste Legislative Office
406 Surrey Woods Drive
St. Charles
For additional information about this Unclaimed Property Day event, please contact our district office at (847) 214-8245, or email Abby at amccarthy@sgop.ilga.gov.
DeWitte Addresses IL Chamber on Transportation Panel
It was a privilege to join Senate Transportation Committee Chair Ram Villivalam and Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lou Sandoval for a panel discussion on challenges and potential solutions regarding the fiscal cliff public transit is facing in Illinois. We discussed to upcoming $760 million “fiscal cliff” facing Metra, PACE, and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), and potential solutions currently being discussed to retain fairness and equity in board representation and voting power while protecting the long-term sustainability of public transit in the sic-county RTA region.
Republicans Push for Fairness in High School Sports with New Letter to IHSA
Last week, State Republican lawmakers sent a letter to the Executive Director of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), urging the organization to clarify its policies regarding transgender athletes in high school sports and ensure fairness for women who have worked hard to compete.
The letter, signed by members of both the Illinois Senate and House Republican Caucuses, calls on the IHSA to align its policies with recent federal guidelines that protect the integrity of women’s sports. The lawmakers emphasized that federal law clearly mandates that participation in women’s sports should be based on biological sex, in order to preserve fairness and competitive balance.
In their letter, lawmakers requested an update on how the IHSA plans to revise its policies to comply with federal requirements while ensuring a level playing field for women in sports. They are standing up for the women who dedicate themselves to training, sacrificing, and competing, ensuring they are judged on their skill.
Republican lawmakers are committed to protecting the opportunities that women athletes have worked so hard to earn. The message is clear: they are demanding transparency, accountability, and a commitment to maintaining fairness in Illinois sports.
Click here to read the letter.
Senator DeWitte Hosts “Snack Drive” for Young Child Week in Illinois
Sadly, we have hungry children right here in the 33rd District. During the upcoming Young Child Week April 5-11, I hope you’ll participate in my snack donation drive to benefit local kids in need. Snacks can be dropped off at either of my legislative offices.
DeWitte West Dundee Office: 641 S. 8th Street, West Dundee
DeWitte St. Charles Office: 406 Surrey Woods Drive, Suite A, St. Charles
Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Homeschool Families Pack Illinois Capitol to Defend Education Freedom
Thousands of homeschooling families packed the Illinois State Capitol last week to protest House Bill 2827, which advanced out of the Education Policy Committee on an 8-4 vote with all House Republicans voting against it. Democrats advanced the bill despite a record-breaking 51,000 witness slips filed against it.
Known as the “Homeschool Act,” HB 2827 would impose new regulations on homeschooling families, including mandatory forms, educational portfolios, and potential criminal penalties for non-compliance.
The bill has sparked widespread concern among parents who view it as a direct attack on their rights to educate their children without government interference. Opponents argue that it would undermine parental control and open the door for further restrictions on homeschooling.
The bill threatens to undermine the freedoms of parents who choose homeschooling, with many concerned it marks the beginning of broader government intrusion into private education.
Senate Republicans Push Back Against Governor’s Proposal to Eliminate Townships
Senate Republicans held a press conference last week to voice opposition to Governor JB Pritzker’s proposal to eliminate Illinois townships, through a state-mandated, one-size-fits-all approach. I believe the Governor’s plan could lead to higher property taxes and reduce critical local services across the state.
The Governor’s proposal calls for consolidating townships, in many cases handing over their responsibilities, assets, and debts to county governments, which could result in increased financial burdens for counties already managing multiple services. While Senate Republicans have repeatedly supported efforts to consolidate unnecessary forms of government in communities where it makes sense, we believe the Governor’s top-down approach would likely translate into higher property taxes for Illinois families in many areas.
I believe decisions about government consolidation should be made locally, not imposed from Springfield. While consolidation may work in some areas, it is vital that local communities have the ability to determine what structure best meets their needs.
Illinois Takes Bold Step with Bipartisan Senate Bill to Combat Human Trafficking
Senate Bill 2323, a new bipartisan proposal, seeks to improve Illinois’ response to human trafficking by streamlining support services and enhancing coordination among state agencies. The bill takes a victim-centered, trauma-informed approach, designed to better identify, assist, and protect trafficking victims across the state. I am a proud co-sponsor of this bill.
Based on recommendations from the Joint Human Trafficking Working Group, formed in 2023 with input from over 60 stakeholders, the bill proposes a strategic plan to build a comprehensive network of services for survivors. This includes the creation of standards of care for medical and legal service providers.
Key provisions of SB 2323 include:
Coordinated Services for Victims: The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will lead prevention efforts, provide resources for staff, and coordinate services for youth in care who have been victims of human trafficking or are at high risk of being trafficked.
Expanded Training for Key Agencies: The bill requires expanded training for staff in DCFS, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the Department of Corrections to better identify and assist victims, especially youth in state care. It also aims to improve screening processes for at-risk populations in the justice system.
Multidisciplinary Task Forces: SB 2323 will create multidisciplinary law enforcement task forces to coordinate investigations and responses across jurisdictions, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of human trafficking cases.
Extended Legal Rights for Survivors: The bill removes the 25-year time limit for victims to bring lawsuits against their abusers, ensuring that survivors trafficked as minors can seek justice at any stage of their healing process.
SB 2323 passed the Senate Criminal Law Committee on March 18.