Happy New Year! As your State Senator, maintaining open lines of communication continues to be one of my primary goals. These newsletters are a key element of that process because I want to ensure you are informed about legislative news that affects Kane, McHenry, and DuPage Counties and all of Illinois. I have high hopes that 2026 will be a great year!
Legislators Return to Springfield for 2026 Session
Legislators return to Springfield later this month for the start of the 2026 regular session. The Senate returns on Tuesday, January 13 and the House returns the following week on Tuesday, January 20.
While the Senate and House have many weeks where session days overlap, the calendars do differ. Links to the calendars can be found below:
I am in the process of finalizing my legislative agenda for the year, and the first key date on the legislative calendar is Friday, February 6, the date by which all substantive bills must be introduced in the Senate or House. I welcome ideas for beneficial legislation. Please reach out if you have an issue you believe would benefit from a legislative remedy.
2026 Valentines for Seniors Underway in 33rd District
Loneliness can be a real issue for the elderly, so it’s nice to bring them some joy so they know we’re thinking of them. Let’s all do our part to make sure this area’s seniors feel appreciated! With Valentines Day just weeks away, I am launching my 6th annual “Valentines for Seniors” card drive throughout the 33rd District. Last year we collected thousands of cards and I hope to have an even greater response this year.
To brighten the days of seniors and make sure they know they are a valued part of the community, I am asking students from public and private schools, church groups, scouting organizations and other groups to create homemade cards and drawings that will be delivered to assisted living centers, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities across the 33rd Senate District during the week of Valentine’s Day.
Cards and drawings can be mailed to or dropped off at my district offices in West Dundee and St. Charles between now and February 6. My office staff and I will personally deliver the cards and drawings on your behalf the week of Valentines Day.
Valentines can be dropped off or mailed to:
West Dundee Office
641 S. 8th St.
West Dundee, IL 60118
St. Charles Office
406 Surrey Woods Drive , Suite A
St. Charles, IL 60174
If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please contact Abby at amccarthy@sgop.ilga.gov.
Chicago Tribune Publishes DeWitte Opinion Piece on Future of the Chicago Bears
I want to thank the Chicago Tribune for publishing an opinion piece I recently penned that outlines what I believe the State of Illinois is responsible for when it comes to keeping the Chicago Bears in Illinois. As you may have heard, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and other key Democrats are making some ridiculous stipulations in their ongoing negotiations with Chicago’s franchise NFL team.
Any football fan who has seen their team leave their state (Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, now the Kansas City Chiefs) know the Bears’ statements that they are considering a move to the State of Indiana, are not just idle threats. Teams move. The Bears are no different. And I believe in 2026 discussions on whether or not the Bears stay in Illinois will ramp up quite a bit.
Click here to read my op ed.
I would like to hear from you regarding this issue. Please click here to be taken to a 3-question survey.
RTA Online Fare Portal Updated
The RTA just launched an updated version of its Online Fare Portal with new features to streamline rider applications. Highlights include:
- Riders can switch between fare programs (e.g. eligible Reduced Fare riders can now switch to Ride Free without having to start a new application)
- Riders can check the status of their application or replacement card online
- Riders can update personal information directly on the portal, rather than seeking assistance from your office or the RTA helpline
- Riders may opt-in to electronic communications regarding their account, allowing them to receive notifications about an application or renewal notices
There is a new instructional video posted on the portal itself, and you can read more about this update in the RTA Connection blog.
Township Officials of IL Offering Scholarships
The Township Officials of Illinois offers scholarships annually to high school students across Illinois. Each year, seven $2,000 scholarships are available to high school students who will be attending an Illinois college or university. For the 2026-2027 collegiate year, the application portal opened on January 1, and applications will be accepted through March 2, 2026. Completed applications can be sent via email to debbie@toi.org. Click here to access the application and for additional information about the program.