DeWitte Joins St. Charles First Responders for 9/11 Remembrance
I always appreciate the efforts first responders in this region invest in ensuring residents take time to honor those who gave their lives helping others and who died as victims of the 9/11 attacks in 2001. On September 11 it was my honor to attend a 25th anniversary remembrance ceremony in St. Charles.
This attack changed the way we see the world. It was the day we all knew with certainty that there are those in the world who will do anything to destroy the fabric of America and our democracy. The cowards who committed the unspeakable acts of 9/11 ended up making us stronger, and ceremonies like the one held in St. Charles on Friday remind all of us to NEVER FORGET.
State Senator Don DeWitte Earns Top Senate Score on IMA Legislator Report Card
I am proud to announce that I recently earned a 92% rating on the IMA 2025-2026 Legislator Report Card. At 92%, the highest score awarded in the Senate, my voting record highlights my steadfast support of Illinois manufacturers, employers and job creators.
The IMA Legislator Report Card examines lawmakers’ votes on key issues affecting Illinois’ manufacturing economy and broader business climate. Among the issues considered are tax policy, workplace regulations, environmental mandates, energy costs and other policies that can influence businesses’ decisions to invest, expand and create jobs in Illinois.
Donovan Griffith, Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer for the IMA had this to say when the rankings were announced: “Decisions made at the state level play a significant role in a businesses’ ability to succeed in Illinois. By supporting Illinois manufacturers, policymakers are supporting jobs and our economy.”
Manufacturers and businesses need a state government that understands the importance of keeping Illinois competitive, and as a legislator, I have always believed we need to focus on policies that encourage investment, support job creation and give employers the confidence to grow here in Illinois. I am honored to receive the highest score awarded in the Senate, and I appreciate the IMA for recognizing my efforts to stand up for our manufacturers, workers, and job creators.”
The full IMA legislative report card can be found by clicking here.
Following Successful Shred Event & Food Drive, DeWitte Preps for St. Charles Senior Expo
We had perfect weather on Saturday for our document shredding event and food drive, and I want to thank everyone who came out to safely dispose of sensitive documents and donated generously to Food for Greater Elgin.
Up next on my events calendar is a free Senior Expo this week on Tuesday, September 15, in St. Charles. The Senior Expo will bring together more than 30 organizations, government agencies, health care providers and community service organizations offering information and resources designed to help older adults stay healthy, active and independent. Admission is free, and refreshments will be available.
There are so many programs available to help with health care, transportation, utilities, financial assistance and other needs, but knowing where to turn can sometimes be a challenge. This expo gives residents an opportunity to meet directly with the people and organizations that can help.
In addition to more than 30 information booths, attendees will have access to a variety of free services and resources, including:
- I-PASS on Demand assistance through the Illinois Tollway
- ICASH/Unclaimed Property assistance through the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office
- Senior transportation information from PACE and the Northern Illinois Transportation Agency (NITA)
- Blood pressure checks provided by BrightStar Care
- Optional vaccinations provided by Walgreens
- Utility assistance and energy efficiency program information
- Health and wellness resources from local health care providers
- Home health and senior living information
- And much more
For additional information, contact my district office at (847) 214-8245 or email Abby McCarthy at amccarthy@sgop.ilga.gov.
Legislative Inspector General Resigns as Ethics Commission Begins Search for Replacement
Illinois Legislative Inspector General Michael McCuskey is stepping down as the General Assembly’s top ethics watchdog, with the Legislative Ethics Commission accepting his resignation effective September 30. The Commission plans to appoint an acting inspector general beginning October 1 while it searches for a permanent replacement.
The Legislative Inspector General serves as an independent watchdog over members of the General Assembly and certain legislative employees, with authority to investigate allegations involving ethics violations, misconduct, fraud, waste, abuse and other wrongdoing connected to public duties or the use of state office and resources. State law allows the Legislative Ethics Commission to appoint an acting LIG following a vacancy while the process of selecting a permanent replacement moves forward.
The transition comes amid increased scrutiny of legislative ethics following several separate controversies involving current and former House Democrats, including the Legislative Inspector General’s findings of sexual harassment against former State Representative Harry Benton, federal charges against State Representative Carol Ammons, and allegations against State Representative Amy “Murri” Briel.
The LIG has long played an important role in ensuring allegations of misconduct within the General Assembly are independently reviewed and addressed. With recent cases placing renewed attention on ethics and accountability at the Capitol, he/she says it is especially important that the office remains effective and that whoever serves as the state’s legislative watchdog is able to carry out those responsibilities thoroughly and independently.
The Legislative Ethics Commission has posted the permanent LIG position and set an October 31application deadline.