DeWitte Named Legislator of the Year by IMEA
After session adjourned on Thursday, I had the privilege of being recognized for my work on behalf of public power provided to residents across the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency’s (IMEA) annual dinner. IMEA has provided reliable, cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally conscientious power for decades, including to my home town of St. Charles. In fact, IMEA provides energy to 32 of the 42 municipal electric systems in Illinois.
It was a distinct honor to be named their “Legislator of the Year.” Many thanks to IMEA President Kevin Gaden and Legislative Director Staci Wilson for this humbling recognition.
Upcoming Events in the 33rd District
I want to thank everyone who participated in my drug drop-off event on Friday in South Elgin. By safely disposing of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, we are doing our part to keep these drugs out of the water supply and away from those who might abuse them.
My summer and fall events calendar continues to grow! As a reminder, when my office holds traveling office hours, my staff is available to help constituents navigate issues they may be having with state departments and agencies, like unemployment issues, licensure problems, and FOID/Concealed Carry delays. I attend these events only as my schedule permits.
Please mark your calendars now for these upcoming events:
- 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 6: Traveling Office Hours, Algonquin Public Library, 2600 Harnish Dr, Algonquin, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- 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.
Pritzker’s Proposed Tax Hikes Threaten Illinois’ Families & Their Futures
With just two weeks to go before the legislature is set to adjourn, Governor JB Pritzker’s own budget team still projects a massive deficit. While the Governor is trying to blame it on President Donald Trump and the federal government, the reality is it’s the direct result of Governor Pritzker growing government spending nearly 40% since taking office.
Instead of cutting back, Democrats are now demanding $6 billion in new tax hikes, squeezing families even harder in a state that already has the highest tax burden in the nation. These tax hikes will gut family budgets.
While families stretch every dollar, Democrats want to spend more on programs like free healthcare for illegal immigrants and expect you to pick up the tab. Middle-class families, retirees, and family farmers will take the biggest hit under the Democrat tax hike plan, and some will be forced to make impossible decisions, like choosing between paying for daycare or keeping the lights on, between car repairs or a trip to the pharmacy.
My Senate Republican colleagues and I are fighting back for working families, because we know every dollar matters. It’s time Springfield stopped making your life harder.
2025 Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service Honors Illinois Heroes
Firefighters from across the state were honored at the 32nd Annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Firefighter Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony on May 13.
The Fallen Firefighter Memorial service was held at the Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the Illinois State Capitol to honor Illinois firefighters lost in the line of duty. Following the ceremony at the Capitol, the Medal of Honor Ceremony took place at the Bank of Springfield Convention Center.
The ceremonies brought scores of firefighters from across Illinois to Springfield to honor, recognize, and remember firefighters who dedicated their lives to protecting their communities. The event was a powerful reminder of the courage, selflessness, and dedication that these brave men and women demonstrate in their service to the people of Illinois.
DeWitte Welcomes Advocacy Groups to Springfield
Lobby days continue at the State Capitol, and last week I welcomed a large group of nurse leaders from Advocate Health Systems for a meeting. We had a very productive conversation about issues of importance, including workplace safety and how the legislature could help improve nurses’ work environments.
Last week was also Illinois Gun Owners Lobby Day (IGOLD), and a large group of Second Amendment advocates held a rally outside the Capitol near the Abraham Lincoln statue. Illinois Democrats introduced legislation this year that would continue their attack on lawful gun owners. House Bill 4045 and its companion, Senate Bill 2652, would effectively ban the sale of certain handguns to civilians, making it a felony to manufacture, sell, or transfer pistols deemed “convertible.” However, these devices are already banned under both state and federal law. HB 4045 and SB 2652 include no language whatsoever to strengthen sentences for the criminals who use these types of guns for criminal purposes. Senate Republicans maintain that rather than continually going after lawful gun owners, legislators should be cracking down on the criminals who disregard and break the law.
Only a Few Spots Left for Household Hazardous Waste Collection in Crystal Lake
As a reminder, on June 7, 2025, Illinois residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste at Prairie Ridge High School, 6000 Dvorak Drive, Crystal Lake, IL. This free event runs from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM and is co-sponsored by McHenry County. Pre-registration is required, and spots are filling up fast (click here to register). Bring items like oil-based paints, cleaners, pesticides, and more, but please leave latex paint, propane tanks, and business waste at home.
For safe transport, residents are asked to:
- Pack HHW items in a disposable box to prevent spills
- Keep “like” chemicals together and separate unlike chemicals
- Secure lids and check for leaks
- Place boxes in the empty trunk or storage area, away from passengers
- Remain in your vehicle — on-site staff will unload the materials
Click here to view a full list of items that will be accepted and not accepted at this event.
$400 Million in State Funding Aims to Improve Transportation in Local Communities
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is making $400 million available to support local transportation projects across the state. The funding will help communities move forward with projects that improve roads, transit, and pedestrian access.
Cities, counties, and other local agencies can apply now for funding by submitting proposals through IDOT’s online form. Applications are due by June 1, 2025. Full details are outlined in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity.
To assist with the application process, IDOT is hosting Special Programs Assistance Conferences (SPAC) around Illinois. These events will provide guidance on available funding programs, including the Economic Development Program, the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), and Safe Routes to School. IDOT staff will also be available for one-on-one project consultations.
IDOT is also offering $33 million in funding through its Local Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). This program supports projects that reduce traffic injuries and fatalities, with a focus on rural roads and bike/pedestrian safety, helping advance the state’s Vision Zero goals.
More information on all programs, deadlines, and support resources can be found here.