New Year, Same “Lame Duck” Democrats
After a snowy four-day “Lame Duck” session, Illinois lawmakers convened the 104th General Assembly with Inauguration Ceremonies on January 8.
With many Illinoisans struggling to make ends meet, the recent session could have been used to address these challenges. Instead, Governor Pritzker and his allies focused on measures that prioritize noncitizens and criminals over hardworking citizens.
One such bill was House Bill 5164, commonly referred to as the “Name Change Bill.” It passed the Senate on Sunday, January 5 without any Republican support and passed the House of Representatives on January 7 along strict partisan lines.
Proponents of the bill argue it enables non-citizens to change their names through an expedited and confidential process, provided they’ve lived in Illinois for at least three months. However, critics point out that the legislation merely requires individuals to claim eligibility without offering proof, which they fear could allow illegal immigrants, criminals, and others to exploit the system to evade authorities.
The bill also allows judges to seal name change records, which I believe creates a loophole that undermines the legal process and could benefit individuals with malicious intent. Opponents contend this measure exacerbates the challenges posed by illegal immigration under Governor JB Pritzker’s administration, further endangering community safety.
Legislation Proposed to Protect Election Integrity
Following the discovery that the Pritzker Administration is sending voter registration forms to noncitizens, potentially leading to voter fraud, Senate Republicans are filing new legislation to protect the integrity of Illinois elections.
A Republican Senator from downstate Litchfield was notified by an immigrant rights advocate that when noncitizens apply for state aid, the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) is sending packets to them that include voter registration forms already addressed to local county clerks’ offices. The department includes an electronic version of the packet on its website, including a voting application, here: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/onenetlibrary/12/documents/forms/il444-2378b.pdf
Concerns arose that recipients may feel obligated to fill out all of the forms in their packet in their entirety, and that, because they may not be fluent in the same language as the forms are written, they may incorrectly apply to vote.
Making the situation worse, recent legislation signed into law by Governor Pritzker created a new system of driver’s licenses, where noncitizens, even those who are here illegally, are given the same licenses as citizens. Previously, the licenses were marked if they were issued to noncitizens. County clerks have no way to verify if someone is a citizen based on their driver’s license.
Legislation passed in 2017 authorizes DHS to use applications for aid in a dual role, where the information from the aid application can be used to register someone to vote. However, in that situation, the law instructs DHS to verify that the individual is authorized to vote before the application reaches the county election officials. That law does not authorize the use of paper applications to be sent straight from the applicant to county clerks, who, unlike DHS, are unable to verify citizenship status.
If noncitizens do file to vote, not only would they be jeopardizing the legitimacy of Illinois elections, but they would be committing a crime, which would ruin any chance they have to become citizens.
The new legislation, which will be filed before the end of January, will require the Illinois Secretary of State’s office to create a database for all noncitizens who have Illinois driver’s licenses, so that County Clerks can verify that voting applicants are indeed citizens who are legally authorized to vote.
Senator DeWitte’s Valentines for Seniors Event Underway
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 this Valentine’s Day!
My 5th annual “Valentines for Seniors” card drive is underway in the 33rd District. Last year we collected thousands of cards and I hope to have an even greater response this year.
Cards and drawings can be mailed to or dropped off at my district offices in West Dundee and St. Charles between now and February 7. 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.