Illinois Senators Return to Springfield as the Final Weeks of Session Begin
After spending the last two weeks in our home districts addressing the needs of our local constituents, Illinois Senators are back in Springfield this week to begin reviewing and debating legislation recently passed by the House.
There’s a running joke among us in the Senate that many of the bills that come over from the House arrive with a familiar refrain from their House sponsors: “Don’t worry — we’ll fix it in the Senate.” We’ll see if that’s the case this year.
In addition to considering bills that have advanced from the House, we will also deal with Senate bills that received extensions and we will start seeing some appropriation bills. All of this must occur before the General Assembly adjourns on May 31.
As in previous years, the most significant task will be the passage of the state’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which covers the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025. In February, Governor Pritzker proposed the largest budget in state history, spending more than $53 billion, despite a projected deficit. Even with full knowledge of these fiscal realities, there has been no talk of financial restraint or reform.
I will continue to call for fiscal responsibility that puts hardworking Illinois families first. This includes a top priority of cutting more than $1 billion in spending tied to the Governor’s programs for non-citizens.
Senate Republicans Request Federal Guidance to Protect Fairness in Women’s Sports
Earlier this month I joined my Senate Republican colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi requesting federal guidance to ensure fairness in girls’ and women’s athletics in Illinois high schools. The letter follows conflicting guidance from state agencies and growing concerns about how to uphold the intent of Title IX in the wake of recent federal actions.
Recently, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) responded to a letter from us Republican lawmakers who asked how the association plans to protect opportunities for female athletes. In its response, the IHSA revealed that both the Illinois Attorney General and the Department of Human Rights have directed the organization to permit athletes to compete based on gender identity—a stance the IHSA says could conflict with federal law.
We argue that this shouldn’t be a partisan issue. It’s about protecting the progress generations of women have fought for and ensuring a level playing field for female athletes.
In the letter to Attorney General Bondi, we asked for clarification on how Illinois schools and athletic associations should respond to the federal Executive Order, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” The order directs federal agencies to interpret Title IX consistent with its original intent—protecting single-sex athletic competition for biological females.
Specifically, we are seeking answers to the following:
- Whether Illinois’ current position permitting biological males to compete in girls’ sports violates federal law;
- If that position places the state at risk of losing federal education funding or facing legal action from the Department of Justice;
- What steps Illinois must take to align with both the Executive Order and Title IX.
New Items Added to DeWitte Events Calendar!
I want to thank everyone who donated so generously to the healthy snack donation drive that was just completed. As you may recall, this drive was done in connection with the Well Child Center of Elgin, which works with the Greater Elgin Food Pantry. The District 33 community never disappoints when it comes to giving generously to those in need. These donations will go far in providing healthy snacks to hungry children in this area. Shown in the photo are Michelle and Pat from the Well Child Center.
My summer and fall events calendar continues to grow! Please mark your calendars now for these upcoming events:
- May 10: Pet Adoption Fair, St. Charles Hardware- Do It Best, 3619 E. Main Street, St. Charles, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- May 16: Prescription Drug Drop-Off Event, South Elgin Police Department, 50 S. Water Street, South Elgin, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- May 29: Traveling Office Hours, Elburn Town & Country Public Library, 320 E North St, Elburn, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- June 4: Property Tax Seminar, DeWitte-Ugaste Legislative Office, 406 Surrey Woods Drive, St. Charles, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- June 11: Traveling Office Hours, Crystal Lake Public Library, 126 W. Paddock Street, Crystal Lake, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
- June 17: Traveling Office Hours, Geneva Public Library, 227 S. 7th Street, Geneva
- June 28: Document Shredding Event, Salvation Army Tri-City Corps Community Center, 1710 S. 7th Avenue, St. Charles, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- July 15: Traveling Office Hours, Lake in the Hills Village Hall, 600 Harvest Gate, LITH
- July 9: Traveling Office Hours, Gail Borden Public Library District (South Elgin Branch), 127 S. McLean Blvd, South Elgin, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
- August 19: ICASH Unclaimed Property Event, Gail Borden Public Library District (South Elgin Branch), 127 S. McLean Blvd, South Elgin, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- September 4: Senior Fair in Carpentersville, Dundee Township Rakow Center, 665 Barrington Ave, Carpentersville, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
- September 16 or TBA: Senior Fair in St. Charles, Details TBA
- October 14: Senior Fair in Crystal Lake, Grand Oaks Recreation Building 1401 IL-176, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Additional events are added regularly, so please visit the Events page on my website to remain up-to-date on outreach activities in the district.
Congratulations, Illinois State Scholars from D33!
I want to extend my heartiest congratulations to the 373 high school students from the 33rd District who were recently named Illinois State Scholars. I am incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding academic achievement of these bright future leaders. Being named an Illinois State Scholar is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence throughout high school. The honor reflects not only their talent but also their perseverance—and it sets the stage for a bright future ahead. Well done!
Mayor Brandon Johnson Returns to Springfield, Demands More State Dollars for Chicago
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is once again heading to Springfield this week, renewing his push for increased state funding for the city despite ongoing criticism from Republican lawmakers who say suburban and downstate taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to foot the bill for the City’s poor financial decisions.
At a news conference last week, Johnson announced his plan to meet with Governor Pritzker, House Speaker Chris Welch, and Senate President Don Harmon. He is expected to continue lobbying the General Assembly for additional funding to support Chicago’s public schools, transit systems, and other city priorities.
Taxpayers should not be left to once again bail out Chicago for years of financial mismanagement. Rather, the Mayor should focus on implementing real reforms instead of asking overtaxed Illinoisans to take on additional burdens that benefit only Chicago.
Public Libraries in the 33rd District Awarded More than $74,000 in State Grants
I am proud to announce that more than $74,000 in state-sponsored library grants have been awarded to public schools throughout my district. The annual grants, administered by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, are aimed at supporting school libraries serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
When we invest in books and technology at our school libraries, we are providing a springboard to knowledge and success for students. I appreciate the Secretary of State’s willingness to continually bring meaningful financial support to our school libraries.
The library grants can be used for purchasing books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, updated technology, and educational programming.
The following school districts in the 33rd District have received funding:
- Community Unit School District 300: $16,696.41
- Crystal Lake Community High School District 155: $04,632.09
- Crystal Lake Community Consolidated School District 47: $06,010.92
- Elgin School District U-46: $28,979.33
- St. Charles Community Unit School District 303: $09,862.44
- Geneva Community Unit School District 304: $04,308.18
- West Chicago Community High School District 94: $01,733.72
- West Chicago Elementary School District 33: $02,617.83
Total: $74,840.92