Kane County Reporter

Governor Finally Allows Co-Pays for Undocumented Healthcare

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has finally announced that co-pays will be allowed for undocumented immigrants receiving free healthcare in the state. The decision comes after months of delay and little transparency on the matter. While the co-pays were initially proposed as a way to control the rising costs of the taxpayer-funded program, it remains to be seen how much will actually be saved.

Senator Don DeWitte expressed his concerns about the program, stating that Illinois taxpayers should not be burdened with the cost of providing nearly free healthcare to noncitizens. He also pointed out that the influx of asylum seekers in Chicago will only increase the number of undocumented immigrants receiving benefits.

Just a Few More Days to Participate in Valentines for Seniors

Senator Don DeWitte is reminding residents that there are only a few more days left to participate in the Valentines for Seniors program. The initiative aims to bring joy to seniors living in assisted living centers and nursing homes by delivering handmade Valentines. Senator DeWitte encourages everyone to take a few minutes and create Valentines to show seniors that they are valued and not forgotten.

Cards and well-wishes can be dropped off at Senator DeWitte's West Dundee or St. Charles office during business hours, or they can be mailed. The deadline for participation is February 7th.

Tax Filing Season Underway

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) have started accepting tax returns for the year 2023. Illinois residents can file their state returns for free online through the MyTax Illinois website. It is recommended to set up a direct deposit source to receive refunds quickly. The tax filing deadline this year is April 15th.

Senator Don DeWitte also highlighted two tax credits that residents can take advantage of this year. The Volunteer Emergency Worker Credit offers up to $500 in offsetting training and equipment costs for volunteer firefighters and EMTs. Additionally, eligible taxpayers can claim the Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Parks and Recreation Boosted by OSLAD Grants

Efforts to expand outdoor recreation in Illinois have received a significant boost through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant program. The program, now in its 37th year, is providing $54.9 million in funding for 111 local park projects across the state. The grants will be used to purchase and develop land for recreation purposes.

Senator Don DeWitte congratulated the communities in the 33rd Senate District that have received OSLAD grants, including the Crystal Lake Park District, St. Charles Park District, and the Village of Elburn. Access to outdoor recreation is important for the majority of Illinois residents, and these grants will help improve parks and recreational facilities.

New Legislation Would Ban Hostile Foreign Entities from Buying Farmland

Illinois Senate Republicans have introduced a new bill aimed at preventing potentially hostile foreign entities from purchasing farmland in the state. Senate Bill 2668 seeks to maintain national security by prohibiting land purchases from countries categorized as hostile by the federal government. The bill also includes fines and prison time for violations and mandates the creation of an office of Agricultural Intelligence to monitor suspicious land purchases.

The Department of Agriculture reports an 8 percent increase in foreign-owned farmland in 2022. Twenty-four other states have similar legislation in place to restrict or prohibit farmland purchases by certain foreign parties.

Army Corps Plans $1 Billion Barricade to Deter Invasive Carp

The Army Corps of Engineers has announced plans to prevent the spread of invasive carp in Illinois waterways and lakes. The Brandon Road Interbasin Project will aim to keep the carp from entering Lake Michigan and other nearby bodies of water. The project will involve the construction of barricades, sound blasts, an electrical barrier, a flushing lock, and a bubble wall.

The invasive carp pose a threat to the natural food chain in the Great Lakes and could have a significant impact on the commercial and recreational fishing economy in the region, which amounts to $7 billion per year.

Illinois Once Again Led the Nation in Soybean Production

Illinois has retained its position as the top soybean-producing state in the country. Despite a slight decrease in production from the previous year, Illinois farmers raised almost 649 million bushels of soybeans in 2023. The state, however, fell to second place in corn production, losing out to neighboring Iowa.

Despite facing challenges such as dry spells and heavy rains, Illinois soybean farmers maintained their high levels of production, averaging 63 bushels per acre.

These legislative updates and news from Senator Don DeWitte provide insights into various issues affecting Illinois residents, from healthcare and taxes to parks and agriculture.