DeWitte Joins Local Leaders for First Responder Roundtable Event
Last week I had the privilege of joining other local elected officials and representatives from a variety of police and fire first responder agencies for an informative roundtable event. I always find this annual event in Hampshire at the Elgin Community College Public Safety Training Center to be a valuable experience because it provides a unique opportunity to hear from frontline responders and gain insight into how we can support them. Thank you all to police and fire chiefs across the region for joining us and participating.
New Legislation Seeks to Provide Relief to Middle-Class Illinoisans Struggling with Soaring Utility Bills
In response to the recent spike in electricity rates throughout the entire state, newly filed Senate Republican legislation seeks to provide much-needed relief for Illinois families struggling with rising utility bills. I am a proud co-sponsor of this bill.
Senate Bill 2687, also known as the Home Utility Relief Act, creates a Home Utility Rebate Program through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The program would provide rebates to households with incomes between 100% and 500% of the federal poverty guidelines. These are families who often earn too much to qualify for traditional low-income assistance programs but are still burdened by rapidly rising energy costs.
The measure establishes a $500 million Home Utility Rebate Relief Fund to be used in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. After rebates are issued to qualifying households, any remaining funds may also be made available to certain first-time small business owners.
Families across the state are already struggling to keep up with the higher costs of living and are now being hit with soaring electricity bills. Working and middle-class families often find themselves with no access to programs to help offset spiraling energy prices.
Senator DeWitte Offers Legislative Update at St. Charles Area Chamber Event
Last week, it was an honor to speak before the Legislative Committee of the St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce, where I was able to provide a legislative update. Also participating were Lou Sandoval of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Senator Linda Holmes, and State Representatives Dan Ugaste, and Matt Hanson.
I sincerely appreciated the opportunity to talk with Chamber members about recent and proposed legislation affecting their businesses, employees and families.
Second Senior Expo Set for September 16 in St. Charles
Turnout for my Senior Expo last week in Carpentersville was phenomenal! I am so appreciative that so many people and caregivers came to the event.
With that expo now complete, my staff and I are now putting the finishing touches on a second senior fair- this one in St. Charles. For this next event, I will again be partnering with close to 50 agencies, non-profits, and businesses that cater to the needs of area seniors. I would invite all seniors, their caregivers, and loved ones to attend this free event. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.
St. Charles Senior Fair
Tuesday, September 16
10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
St. Charles Park District
Pottawatomie Community Center
8 North Avenue, St. Charles
In addition to the vendor booths, seniors will be able to take advantage of the following services at the St. Charles Senior Fair:
- Blood pressure checks
- Cholesterol checks
- BMI screenings
- Diabetes information, Glucose screenings
- Vaccinations provided by Walgreens
- IPASS transponder updates
- ICASH/Unclaimed property searches
- Senior transportation information by PACE and RTA
- Senior Transportation Information by PACE and RTA
For more information, please contact my office at (847) 214-8245 or email Abby at amccarthy@sgop.ilga.gov.
Additional upcoming outreach events include:
- September 27: FREE Document Shredding Event, Carillon at Cambridge Lakes, 1865 Andrew Blvd, Pingree Grove, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- October 4: FREE Document Shredding Event, Elburn Town & Country Library, 320 E North Street, Elburn, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- October 14: Senior Fair in Crystal Lake, Grand Oaks Recreation Building 1401 IL-176, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
New events are added to the calendar regularly. You can remain up to date about upcoming events by visiting the Events page on my website.
Federal Lawsuit Challenges Illinois Law Giving Financial Aid to Undocumented Students
Illinois is once again facing a federal lawsuit over its immigration policies, this time for offering taxpayer-funded financial aid and in-state tuition to undocumented students. Earlier this summer, Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 460 into law, expanding state scholarships and grants to include undocumented immigrants beginning next year.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice filed suit against Illinois, Governor Pritzker, and Attorney General Kwame Raoul, arguing the law violates federal statutes that prohibit giving benefits to individuals in the country illegally that are not equally provided to U.S. citizens. Federal officials say the law discriminates against students from other states who are legally in the U.S. but do not receive the same financial breaks Illinois is now promising to undocumented immigrants.
The lawsuit contends that Illinois’ policy not only conflicts with federal law but also shifts the financial burden onto taxpayers while incentivizing more illegal immigration.
This latest lawsuit is further proof that Governor Pritzker’s policies are putting the interests of those here illegally ahead of hardworking Illinois families. I believe taxpayer-funded financial aid should be reserved for U.S. citizens and legal residents, not used to create additional incentives for illegal immigration.
State Launches Cemetery Relief Fund Grant Program
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) recently announced the launch of the Cemetery Relief Fund Grant Program. The initiative is designed to help restore cemeteries that have been abandoned, neglected, or are otherwise in need of care.
Under the program, IDFPR will award ten grants of up to $20,000 each year to eligible applicants. Units of local government and not-for-profit organizations, including cemetery authorities, are encouraged to apply.
To qualify, applicants must meet requirements under the Cemetery Oversight Act, have a valid FEIN, be in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, and be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grant Portal. Local governments must show proof of authorization for the application, while not-for-profits must provide proof of nonprofit status. If the applying entity does not own the cemetery, it must either secure permission from the owner or explain why that permission is not possible.
Applications are due by October 24, 2025. To assist with the process, AmpliFund, the state’s grant management platform, hosted a virtual training session earlier this month and made the session available on IDFPR’s YouTube page.
Questions about the program can be directed to Denise Bullocks, IDFPR Deputy Director of Cemetery and Funeral Oversight, at denise.bullocks@illinois.gov or (312) 814-6187.