Democrats Fail to Act on Tax Relief for Tipped Workers
Despite Illinoisans across the state struggling under the rising costs of living, Governor Pritzker and Springfield Democrats declined to extend tax relief for tipped workers by blocking legislation I am co-sponsoring that would have provided help.
Senate Bill 140, a proposal to exempt tip income from state taxation, was filed several months ago, yet Democratic leaders have not allowed even a basic hearing on the bill. Their refusal to advance the measure shows tax relief for working families is simply not a priority.
Because lawmakers failed to act, workers now face confusing and conflicting federal and state tax rules. Instead of straightforward relief, they are left with more paperwork and less money in their pockets.
This missed opportunity comes on the heels of Democrats’ earlier move to decouple state law from federal tax reforms, effectively raising taxes on job creators. This decision will chase away investment, slow wage growth, and make it harder for businesses and families across Illinois.
Illinois families need leaders willing to protect paychecks, simplify taxes, and put working people first. I am renewing my call that Democrat leaders hold a hearing on SB 140 and allow for real consideration to be given to legislation that could deliver relief to tipped workers across the state.
Senator DeWitte Speaks to St. Charles North HS Civics Students
Many thanks to Ms. Keough’s Honors Civics class for their invitation to discuss the IL Legislative process at St. Charles North High School last week. They are in the early stages of crafting and presenting their own bills and I hope to have stirred a bit of continued interest in the legislative process. This group of engaged students have bright futures, and I enjoyed our discussion on the importance of being an involved citizen.
Federal SNAP Data Dispute Puts States on Notice
Federal SNAP food assistance remains a major national topic as the federal government recently signaled that it may withhold SNAP funding from states that do not provide requested program data. Illinois is among the states declining to comply with the federal request, even as the program faces ongoing scrutiny for rising error rates and limited transparency. Since 2017, Illinois’ error rate has nearly doubled, reaching 11.56 percent in 2024.
Federal officials say the data request is part of a broader effort to combat growing fraud within the nearly $100-billion-a-year program. Under recent federal law changes, states reporting error rates above 10 percent must repay 15 percent of the value of their SNAP benefits, a requirement that could place a significant financial burden on states where fraud and errors remain high.
The initial request for detailed SNAP data was issued earlier this year, and the federal government has since reiterated its expectations in a follow-up letter, stating that states have until December 8 to respond to the data request.
DeWitte Stands with Aurora Firefighters After Proposed Budget Decimates Department
As many of you know, I served as the Mayor of St. Charles from 2003-2013. If that experience taught me anything, it is that public safety must be Priority #1 when it comes to the essential duties of local government. Last week I was shocked to learn that the proposed new budget for the City of Aurora calls for the elimination of 18 firefighter positions, three Battalion Chiefs, one Training Officer, and the removal of two frontline fire engines from service. These reductions would inevitably weaken Aurora’s ability to respond quickly and safely to emergencies.
Upon learning of the new Aurora Mayor’s plans to undermine the success of the fire department, I issued the following statement:
“As the former Mayor of St. Charles from 2005-2013, I know that public safety is the most essential duty of local government. Removing firefighters and sidelining key apparatus jeopardizes that mission. Aurora’s firefighters deserve the resources necessary to keep the community safe, not a budget that limits their ability to do their jobs.
“Aurora’s Local 99 firefighters are the ones answering the calls, running into burning buildings, and responding to medical emergencies. When they warn that these cuts will strain the department and compromise safety, leaders must listen. I stand with them in urging the city to reject the current plan and revise the budget to make public safety a true priority.
“A budget that cuts essential services today only to create higher expenses and greater vulnerability tomorrow is not sound fiscal management. Public safety should never be compromised for the sake of short-term savings.
“In crises, whether a structure fire, vehicle accident, or medical emergency, there is no margin for delay. Reducing staff and equipment slows response times and increases risk for both residents and first responders. That is not a theoretical concern. It is the reality of emergency operations. Communities rely on their firefighters at life-or-death moments, and weakening their resources is the wrong direction for Aurora or any Illinois city.”
Illinois Municipal League Launches America250 Time Capsule Project
As the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence approaches in 2026, the Illinois Municipal League (IML) announced the launch of its America250 Time Capsule Project, a statewide effort to honor and preserve the legacy of communities across Illinois.
The initiative invites municipalities throughout the state to submit items for inclusion in a time capsule that will be buried on the grounds of the IML office in Springfield. Suggested contributions include photographs, proclamations, local histories, lapel pins, letters, and other keepsakes that reflect the character and spirit of Illinois communities. Once assembled, the capsule will be sealed for fifty years and opened on July 4, 2076, during the nation’s 300th anniversary.
The deadline for submitting items is Wednesday, December 31. The IML is offering helpful resources on its website at iml.org/IL250, including a model resolution, a digital toolkit, and additional guidance. Items sent by mail should be addressed to: Illinois Municipal League, P.O. Box 5180, Springfield, IL 62705-5180.
IDOR Urges Residents to be Alert While Online Shopping
As the holiday gift-giving season kicks off, the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is urging Illinoisans to stay alert when shopping online and to take simple steps to protect themselves from fraud and identity theft.
According to the PEW Research Center, about 1 in 3 U.S. adults report experiencing an online shopping scam. The FBI also reported that online scams and internet crimes are on the rise, with a record $16.6 billion in losses occurring in 2024.
To help combat the increase in online scams and crimes, IDOR shared some helpful online safety tips for Illinois shoppers:
- Shop with trusted retailers
- Pay with a credit card, rather than debit cards or other payment options
- Check for secure websites and look for https in the URL
- Use strong passwords and enable multifactor authentication
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for online shopping or financial transactions
- Monitor your financial accounts regularly
- Protect your personal and tax information
- Be alert for delivery and tracking scams
Follow these helpful tips and tricks to stay alert and be on the lookout for cybercriminals this holiday season.