I’m proud to announce that last week I was named the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association’s (IRTBA) first-ever Legislator of the Year. It was a true honor to receive this award, especially since a great deal of my public service, including my role as Minority Spokesperson for the Senate Transportation Committee and a former role on the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) board, has been tied to the creation of transportation policy.
With more than 300 member firms engaged in projects ranging from highways and bridges to transit, aviation, and rail systems, IRTBA plays a key role in shaping transportation development and industry standards throughout the state. Its core mission is to advance and promote the transportation design and construction industry in Illinois.
The award was presented at IRTBA’s Annual Meeting in Rosemont, where approximately 1,500 people attended the reception, presentations, and dinner. IRTBA President and CEO Mike Sturino had this to say as he presented the award:
“Senator DeWitte has demonstrated the level of commitment and common sense as a legislator that warrants the first-ever IRTBA Legislator of the Year. As Minority Spokesperson on the Senate Transportation Committee, he can always be counted on to be a voice of reason and moderation, and an effective advocate for a well-funded and appropriately regulated transportation system.
“This industry knows that when Senator DeWitte says he will handle an issue, it will be well-handled. He always has an open door, offers keen insights, and consistently works to bring stakeholders together for a positive outcome.”
I am shown in the photo above (L-R) with Mike Sturino and Michael Paine, Chairman of IRTBA.
Over $803 Million in Relief Coming to ComEd Customers
I am pleased to announce that over $803 million will be returned to ComEd customers under the framework established through 2021 legislation which requires nuclear plants to pay customers some returns when energy prices are high. ComEd residential and commercial customers can expect to benefit from these funds in the form of bill credits, with the average residential customer expected to receive approximately $13 a month, depending on usage, over the first five months of 2026.
The funds are being returned as part of a Carbon Mitigation Credit (CMC) program that provided price support to select Illinois nuclear units that were scheduled to be closed. Importantly, that 2021 law protected ComEd customers from over-paying in the event that federal policymakers also stepped up to support nuclear generation.
The 2021 law created the CMC program to support carbon-free nuclear generation facilities and in return, provide an adjustment to ComEd customers if energy prices exceed the agreed-upon price. The CMC program is in effect for five years, through 2027, and can result in a credit or a charge depending on energy prices.
The savings from the $803 million in credits reported on the nuclear generators’ tax returns will automatically reduce what customers pay, and no action is required by customers to receive the credit. While future prices cannot be forecast with certainty, the CMC program is expected to continue providing credits, based on market prices, for at least another year, helping to offset supply cost increases and support families during periods of economic uncertainty.
State Fire Marshal Reminds Illinois Residents of Holiday Fire Safety Risks
With holiday festivities underway, the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and its fire safety partners are reminding Illinois residents to keep fire safety at the top of their holiday checklist as they decorate and gather with family and friends in the coming weeks.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles, and more than two of every five occur when decorations are placed too close to a heat source. Nationwide, fire departments respond to an estimated 832 home structure fires each year that begin with decorations, excluding Christmas trees. Meanwhile, between 2019 and 2023, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 145 Christmas tree fires per year.
To help Illinois families stay safe this season, OSFM and its partners shared the following fire safety tips:
- Be careful with holiday decorations. Make sure decorations are either flame-retardant or flame-resistant.
- Keep lit candles at least 12 inches away from decorations or anything that can catch fire.
- Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
- Extinguish all lit candles before going to bed or leaving the house.
- Check to make sure your lights are rated for indoor or outdoor use or both.
- Replace any light strands that have worn or broken cords. Make sure to read the recommendation for the number of light strings you can string together.
- Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
- If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure to check water levels daily.
- Keep real Christmas trees away from a heat source. It can dry out the tree quickly.
The OSFM is also hosting its annual Keep the Wreath Red Campaign from December 1 through January 2 at offices in Springfield and Chicago, as well as at the Quinn Fire Academy. The campaign raises awareness about holiday fire safety by replacing red wreath bulbs with white ones when a fire-related death occurs.