Senator DeWitte Recognized by Associated Firefighters of Illinois
On June 25, I had the pleasure of attending the 45th Biennial Convention of the Associated Firefighters of Illinois (AFFI) in Springfield. I was humbled beyond words to be recognized by this special group of public servants, dedicated to the protection of life, property, and wellbeing of Illinoisans. Receiving their “Legislative Award” is an honor I’ll always cherish.
In some of the worst days of our lives, these are the folks who always show up. They are the ones who run toward danger so all of us can be safe.
The Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois has earned a reputation as a trusted voice for firefighters and emergency responders across our state. Beyond advocating for sound public policy, AFFI fosters a culture of professionalism, training, and mutual support that benefits both firefighters and the communities they serve. The organization’s leadership has consistently demonstrated a commitment to public safety, workplace protections, and the well-being of first responders and their families.
DeWitte, Holmes Headline Metro West Summer Legislative BBQ
Following the AFFI meeting, I drove back to Kane County, where it was my pleasure to present a bipartisan legislative update to members of the MetroWest Council of Government.
Senator Linda Holmes and I gathered with a large group of Mayors and other elected leaders in Elburn, where we enjoyed delicious grilled chicken and chops, cooked up by members of the Elburn Lion’s Club.
Together, we touched on the hot topics facing our local municipalities and answered questions from the mayors and staff who attended the event. Senator Holmes and I have done many of these joint presentations over the years, and this one was especially meaningful, as we are both retiring from the Senate this year.
Another Major Business Moves Out of Illinois
Another major business is moving its headquarters out of Illinois, adding to a growing list of well-known employers that have chosen to leave the state.
Do it Best Group recently announced that it will move True Value’s headquarters from Chicago to Fort Wayne, Indiana. True Value, a longtime Chicago-based hardware wholesaler, was acquired by Do it Best in 2024 after filing for bankruptcy.
The announcement marks the latest in a series of high-profile departures from Illinois. In recent years, major companies, including Caterpillar, Boeing, Morton Salt, and Citadel, have moved their headquarters out of the state, raising continued concerns about Illinois’ business climate and long-term economic competitiveness.
For many employers, the challenges of doing business in Illinois continue to grow. High taxes, rising costs, burdensome regulations, and uncertainty about the state’s future are making it harder for businesses to invest, expand, and create jobs. When businesses leave, it does not just impact corporate headquarters; it affects workers, families, communities, and the state’s overall economy.
My Senate Republican Colleagues and I have continued to push for reforms aimed at supporting workers, encouraging investment, and helping businesses create and retain jobs in Illinois. Those proposals include:
- Senate Bill 3873 (DeWitte) would make Illinois’ Research and Development Tax Credit permanent, giving employers more certainty as they invest in innovation and job creation.
- Senate Bill 3786 (Lewis) would create a Legacy Tax Credit for businesses headquartered in Illinois to encourage investment, job retention, and long-term economic growth.
- Senate Bill 3792 (Wilcox) would eliminate Illinois’ income tax on tips, allowing service industry workers to keep more of their hard-earned money.
Illinois should be a place where businesses want to grow and where families can build a future, but until Governor Pritzker and his allies take action to improve the business climate, reduce costs, and make Illinois more competitive, the state risks seeing more employers and opportunities move elsewhere.
IPASS on Demand Coming to South Elgin on July 13
I am bringing a mobile team from the IL Tollway back to the 33rd District on July 13 for a second IPASS on Demand Event of the summer.
On Monday, July 13. State Rep. Dan Ugaste and I will be in South Elgin with the Tollway mobile team to help motorists switch out their plastic IPASS transponders for the new sticker technology. Best of all, the service is FREE and all IPASS balances are transferred to the new account. The team will be at the Gail Borden Library South Elgin branch from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Please note, if you plan to attend, you should jot down your license plate number(s) and bring your plastic transponders in with you for recycling.
Please mark your calendar now for these additional upcoming events:
- August 4: ICASH/Unclaimed Property Event in South Elgin
- August 19: Senior Fair in Carpentersville
- September 12: Document Shredding Event in Elgin
- September 15: Senior Fair in St. Charles
- 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.
U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to AR-15-Style Rifle Bans
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a major Second Amendment case that could have implications for gun laws in Illinois and across the country.
The Court announced last week that it will take up two challenges involving bans on certain semiautomatic rifles, including AR-15-style firearms. One case challenges Cook County’s assault weapons ban, while the other challenges a similar law in Connecticut. The two cases have been consolidated, with oral arguments expected during the Court’s next term, which begins in October.
Cook County’s ban, which has been in place since the 1990s, restricts the possession, sale, and transfer of certain semiautomatic firearms. Gun rights advocates argue that these types of firearms are commonly owned by law-abiding citizens and that banning them violates the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.
The case could also affect Illinois’ statewide ban, which was signed into law by Governor Pritzker in 2023. That law regulates the sale and distribution of certain firearms classified as assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and switches.
I believe that broad firearm bans infringe on the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to target criminals who ignore existing laws. Rather than continually going after lawful gun owners, I think the majority party should focus on enforcing current laws, holding violent offenders accountable, and addressing the root causes of crime rather than placing new restrictions on responsible firearm owners.
New Proposal Would Help Illinois Families Afford Health Insurance
As Illinois families continue to face rising healthcare costs, I am supporting legislation to help lower health insurance costs.
Senate Bill 2763, and Senate Bill 4214, both filed by Sente Republicans, would allow Illinois families to deduct eligible health insurance premiums from their state income taxes. The two bills would ensure that all Illinoisans can deduct their out-of-pocket health insurance premiums, regardless of the type of plan they have, including employer-sponsored insurance and plans purchased through the ACA.
Many Illinoisans are paying more than ever for health insurance while also facing rising costs for groceries, housing, utilities, and other everyday necessities. Helping reduce the cost of healthcare is one way lawmakers can provide meaningful relief without expanding government.
Under the proposals, eligible premiums paid for the policyholder, a spouse, and covered dependents could qualify for the deduction.