Illinois State Senator Donald P. Dewitte
Recent News About Illinois State Senator Donald P. Dewitte
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Senator DeWitte Hosts “Valentines for Seniors” Card Drive
Senator Don DeWitte is hosting a “Valentines for Seniors” card drive in an effort to bring joy to elderly individuals in nursing homes and assisted living centers. The program invites students, church groups, and other organizations to create homemade cards, notes, and drawings that will be distributed to seniors on Valentine's Day.DeWitte emphasized the importance of this program, stating, "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."The cards and other items can be dropped off or mailed to...
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New Year, New Laws, Part II
As we approach the new year, several new laws are set to take effect in Illinois on January 1, 2024. These laws cover a range of topics, including education, elections, healthcare, special needs children, sportsmen, transportation, and support for veterans and military families.One notable change is the expiration of the Invest in Kids program. Since its inception in 2017, this program has provided more than 40,000 scholarships to low-income K-12 students, allowing them to attend a school of their choice. Unfortunately, due to the lack of action from legislative Democrats...
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New Year, New Laws, Part 1: Illinois Set to Implement Over 300 New Laws in 2024
As we approach the end of 2023, Illinois is preparing to enact more than 300 new laws that will take effect on January 1, 2024. These laws cover a wide range of topics, from crime and gun control to human trafficking and first responder support. Let's take a closer look at some of the notable laws that will come into effect in the new year.One of the controversial issues that made headlines during the fall veto session was the expiration of bipartisan legislation that established higher minimum prison terms for individuals convicted of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon....
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Legislative News from Senator Don DeWitte
Lawmakers Hear Testimony on AWB RulesMembers of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) met on December 12 to hear testimony from the Illinois State Police (ISP) on their proposed permanent rules for enforcement of the state’s "assault weapon" ban (AWB). The ISP's temporary emergency rules remain in effect, and the proposed permanent rules will be discussed further at the January meeting of JCAR. The emergency rules include the requirement for owners of banned firearms purchased before January 10, 2023, to file an affidavit with ISP. However, there is still...
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Local trail grant recommended for Kane County
Illinois recreational trail projects awarded $3.7 millionThe Illinois Greenways and Trails Council, an advisory board under the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, has recommended $3.7 million in funding for various recreational trail development projects across the state. These grants will help satisfy the growing demand for improved trails and outdoor recreation facilities in Illinois.One of the recommended projects is the allocation of $200,000 to the Kane County Forest Preserve District for improvements to the Big Rock Forest Preserve Trail. This funding will...
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New Back 2 Business Grants Offer Relief for Illinois Businesses Impacted by the Pandemic
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has introduced a new grant program called the Illinois B2B NewBiz grant program. This program aims to provide financial assistance to businesses that started during the COVID-19 pandemic in industries that were severely impacted by it. These grants are targeted towards businesses that have not been eligible for state grants and most federal emergency support thus far.To be eligible for a grant award of up to $30,000, for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations must meet certain criteria. This...
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Senate Republicans Push for Extension of Invest in Kids Act; Democrats Refuse to Call the Bill
Senate Republicans have been pushing for an extension of the Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship program, but Democrats have refused to call the bill during the fall Veto Session. As a result, thousands of low-income Illinois families will be left scrambling when the program ends on December 31.The Invest in Kids program, which has been in effect since 2017, has provided more than 38,000 scholarships to low-income K-12 students, allowing them to attend a school of their choice. However, without an extension of the program, these students will have to return to...
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Local Community Service Agencies Receive 235 Coats Collected through Senator DeWitte’s 2023 Winter Coat Drive
State Senator Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) successfully concluded his 2023 Winter Coat Drive by delivering 235 new or gently used winter coats to local agencies that assist families in need. The drive, which received overwhelming support from the residents of the 33rd District, aimed to provide warmth to children, teens, and adults who lacked proper outerwear for the cold months."The response exceeded all expectations, and I am delighted to know that children, teens, and adults who did not have proper outerwear heading into the cold months will now be warm," expressed...
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It's 'bigger than vaccines': Pritzker signs Healthcare Right of Conscience amendment despite fierce opposition
Governor J.B. Pritzker signed SB 1169 into law this week after facing opposition from Illinoisans residents that State Senator Donald DeWitte called “unprecedented.”
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Alleged conspiracy to shut down Illinois newspapers behind Sen. Harmon's opposition to Senate bill
Illinois state Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) doesn't want to discuss his "one-liner" about a conspiracy he alleges would shut down most of Illinois' newspapers or his continued opposition to legislation that could save the cash-strapped state millions.