Lawmakers Enter Final Two Weeks of Session
With just two weeks remaining before the scheduled May 31 adjournment, Illinois lawmakers still have numerous major issues to resolve before the spring legislative session comes to a close.
The biggest task ahead will be passing the state’s next budget. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed FY 26-27 budget totals about $56 billion, and the plan relies on more than $700 million in new taxes and fund sweeps at a time when Illinois families are already facing an affordability crisis.
As a Senate Republican budgeteer, I am at the table fighting to protect taxpayers from another spending plan built on higher taxes, while pushing for a responsible budget that provides relief to hardworking families and businesses across Illinois.
Lawmakers are also expected to continue discussions on other high-profile proposals, including a megaprojects bill aimed at keeping the Bears football franchise in Illinois.
To follow legislative action during the final days of session, the public can visit ilga.gov.
DeWitte Talks, Budget, Bears, LGDF, and Energy on Illinois Insider Podcast
I recently had an opportunity to sit down with Mark Hespen of Illinois Insider to discuss key issues that are on the front burner as we move through our final few weeks of session. We talked about the budget that must be adopted by May 31, how that budget will affect the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF), the Bears, and Energy policy.
Illinois Insider is a new podcast this year, and if you have not yet subscribed to its YouTube channel, I encourage you to do so at: https://www.youtube.com/@IllinoisInsider1818.
District 33 Area Schools Receive “Safe Routes to School” Grants
Illinois’ Safe Routes to School grant program is a vital investment in student safety and community infrastructure. The program helps local governments improve sidewalks, crosswalks, bike paths, and traffic safety measures, making it safer for children to travel to and from school. In many communities, aging or incomplete infrastructure creates serious risks for students and families. These grants help address those safety concerns while giving parents greater peace of mind.
The program also promotes healthier lifestyles and stronger communities by encouraging students to walk or bike to school safely. In addition to improving safety, these projects can reduce traffic congestion near schools, improve accessibility, and benefit residents of all ages who rely on safe pedestrian infrastructure. The following schools in this area recently received grants:
East Dundee ($250,000)
Oak Ridge Middle School, Carpentersville Middle School, Parkview Elementary School, DeLacy Family Education Center, Immanuel Lutheran School, Lumen Academy, St. Catherine of Siena School, Dundee Highlands Elementary School, and Lakewood Elementary School: Construction of a 5-foot-wide public sidewalk along North Van Buren Street and Wilmette Avenue from Roslyn Road to Cleveland Avenue, linking the school campuses to the existing sidewalk network.
Algonquin ($123,000)
Algonquin Lakes Elementary School, Eastview Elementary School, Algonquin Middle School, Perry Elementary School, Dundee Crown High School, and Meadowdale Elementary School: Improvements at the intersection of Lake Gillian Way and Compton Drive to include installation of crosswalk signage, pedestrian refuge island, ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps, and new striping.
Property Tax Exemptions Seminar Set for June 2 in St. Charles
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Mobile DMV event I co-hosted on May 13 in St. Charles. A total of 40 people avoided the lines at the DMV and were able to quickly take care of their driver’s services business, including getting their REAL I.D.
Other upcoming events include:
- June 2: Property Tax Seminar in St. Charles
- June 9: IPASS on Demand in Lake in the Hills
- June 17: ICASH/Unclaimed Property Event in Carpentersville
- July 13: IPASS on Demand in South Elgin
- August 4: ICASH/Unclaimed Property Event in South Elgin
- August 19: Senior Fair in Carpentersville
- September 12: Document Shredding Event in Elgin
- October 14: Senior Fair in Crystal Lake
All of these events are listed on the Events page of my website with full details. Additional events are added regularly, so please visit my Events page regularly to learn about new events as they are added to the schedule.