DeWitte Fall Youth Advisory Council a Huge Success
Last week over 100 of the brightest high school students from across the 33rd Senate District joined some extremely engaging speakers and me for my Fall 2024 Youth Advisory Council at Judson University in Elgin. This non-partisan day of learning is one of my favorite events of the year.
In the morning, students heard from and had opportunities to ask questions of Kane County States Attorney Jamie Mosser, Former Illinois Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti, and Judson University President Dr. Gene Crume. After lunch, the students were placed into seven groups and they brainstormed a piece of legislation they would like to see become law in Illinois. They researched and debated several ideas for potential laws and after presentations by the seven groups, the students voted on the topic they would most like to see become a law.
Their bill idea will be put into proper form by my staff, and this group will reassemble in the spring for a mock session day which includes a hearing and vote on their “bill.”
The Youth Advisory Council offers high school students a tremendous opportunity to connect with peers with similar interests from other nearby schools, and to collaborate on issues that are important to them. It was a great day, and I was sincerely impressed with the interest shown by these future leaders.
Senator Don DeWitte to Host Third Annual New and Gently Used Coat Drive
To help ensure families in the 33rd District have warm coats this winter, this week I am launching my third annual new and gently-used coat drive. Between September 30 and November 16, coats will be collected that will be distributed to people in need of all ages.
Unfortunately, the 33rd District is home to many people who will not have adequate outerwear when the temperatures drop. As the weather turns crisp, I’m hoping people will look through their closets and donate new or gently used coats that will be given to those who could really use them this fall and winter.
New and gently used coats will be collected through October 16 in bins at the following locations:
- Sen. DeWitte’s District Office: 641 South 8th Street, West Dundee (8:30 AM-4:30 PM, M-F)
- St. Charles Municipal Building: 2 E. Main Street, St. Charles (8:00 AM-4:30 PM, M-F)
- Salvation Army of St. Charles: 1710 S. 7th Avenue, St. Charles (8:00 AM-4:00 PM, M-F; also open 5:00 PM-7:00 PM on Tu; 10:00 AM-12:30 PM, Su)
- Algonquin Village Hall, 2200 Harnish Dr, Algonquin (7:30 AM – 5:00 PM, M-F)
The coats we collect will be distributed to Kids in Need-McHenry County, Lazarus House in St. Charles, the Elgin Wayside Center, and the Salvation Army. All of these helpful organizations have expressed a need to provide coats to families in need, and I am glad to host an event to help replenish their supplies. For additional information about this event, please call my office at (847) 214-8245.
Senator Donald DeWitte Named Champion of Free Enterprise by Illinois Chamber of Commerce
Businesses, especially small businesses, are the backbone of our economy in this State, and rather than adding to their burdens, State Government must do more to create an environment where businesses can grow and thrive. After all, these are our job creators who help Illinois families put food on their tables.
The Illinois Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Committee recently rated all members of the 103rd General Assembly based on legislators’ votes on the key business legislation and I am pleased to announce that I have been named a Champion of Free Enterprise. I earned an “A” grade on the IL Chamber’s scorecard.
Illinois Chamber President and CEO Lou Sandoval said this upon making the announcement:
“Senator DeWitte has consistently proven himself to be a trusted advocate for the business community. He has consistently pursued policy solutions that will create economic opportunity in his district and throughout the state. Senator DeWitte distinguished himself as a leader in his caucus through his hard work and keen understanding of complex issues, especially on transportation, tax and local government. We are proud to name Senator DeWitte a 103rd General Assembly’s Champion of Free Enterprise and look forward to our continued work together.”
Click here to view the list of award winners and a summary of the bills that were used in the ranking process.
October Events Calendar includes Senior Fair and IPASS on Demand Event
I have a few additional events before we slow down for veto session and the end-of-year holidays. Please mark your calendars for the following:
- October 15: Senior Expo: Crystal Lake Park District Grand Oaks Building, 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- October 28: IPASS on Demand: Algonquin Township Building, 3702 U.S. Route 14, Crystal Lake
Please visit the Events Page on my website to learn more about these and other events.
Girls Lead Program Now Accepting Applications
For the second consecutive year, the Illinois Council on Women and Girls is inviting girls in grades 5 through 12 to apply for the Illinois Girls Lead Program, a job shadowing and mentoring opportunity designed to connect students with women leaders in state government.
The Illinois Girls Lead Program offers a chance for young students to witness firsthand the impact women have on shaping Illinois. Participating mentors come from different areas of state government and serve in various leadership roles, including elected General Assembly women, policy directors, general counsels, chiefs of staff, agency directors, and more.
The shadowing opportunities are tailored by grade level, as follows:
- 5th Grade: One day of shadowing a female leader in state government, followed by a short reflection on what each participant learned.
- 6th-8th Grade: One day of shadowing a female leader, accompanied by an essay written by each participant on their mentor’s role, the office shadowed observed, and key leadership lessons.
- 9th-12th Grade: A minimum of three days shadowing a female leader and learning from her team. Participants will select an ongoing policy topic and write a research paper offering personal recommendations for solutions.
Applicants should demonstrate a strong desire to learn about the inner workings of state government. Applications are due by the end of the day on October 20th. To apply, visit the State Board of Education’s application page.
Submit Nominations for Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) wants to know more about outstanding educators, administrators, or school professionals who have made significant contributions to Illinois’ public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools.
ISBE will be accepting applications until October 15th for the 2025 Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards.
Awards are presented in seven categories: classroom teachers, early career educators (teachers 1-4 years), school administrators, student support personnel, educational service personnel, community volunteers, and teams.
All awardees are honored at an annual banquet in the spring. To submit a nomination, click here.
New Changes to Illinois CDL Testing
New changes to the Illinois Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) test went into effect on September 1st. These updates impact both CDL and non-CDL drivers with a J51 restriction. Notably, the parallel parking requirement has been removed from the test.
The basic control skills portion has been streamlined to focus on four steps: forward stop, straight-line backing, forward offset tracking, and reverse offset backing. Additionally, pre-trip testing requirements have returned to the pre-2015 rules.
Under the new update, drivers can now use a checklist during the pre-trip inspection, and test administrators are permitted to prompt drivers during examinations.
The Illinois Secretary of State (ILSOS) has released an updated section of the CDL study guide, found here.