Kane County Reporter

Senator Don DeWitte has been at the forefront of introducing new legislation aimed at assisting struggling families and addressing vital issues affecting the state of Illinois. The proposed bills aim to provide financial relief to families with children, improve broadband access, raise awareness for developmental disabilities, and address environmental concerns.

Senator DeWitte, in co-sponsoring Senate Bill 2717 and Senate Bill 3104, highlighted the importance of providing financial support to families with children in daycare and pre-K programs. In his statement, he mentioned, "New financial help could soon be available for parents thanks to legislation I am co-sponsoring that is designed to provide financial relief to families with children enrolled in daycare and pre-K programs."

Moreover, Senator DeWitte's efforts extend to improving broadband access in Illinois. His Senate Bill 3173, which clarifies the leasing of infrastructure for broadband services, recently passed through the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee. Senator DeWitte emphasized the significance of this legislation, stating, "This legislation clarifies that counties can lease and grant access to infrastructure the county own, including fiber optic cables, to public or private entities to deliver broadband service."

In observance of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Senator DeWitte underscored the importance of supporting individuals with disabilities. He highlighted the challenges faced by families and individuals with developmental disabilities, mentioning, "To raise awareness for the challenges people with disabilities face, March has been designated as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month."

Furthermore, as the Illinois spring trout fishing season approaches, Senator DeWitte informed anglers that the season will commence on April 6, allowing individuals to catch up to five trout per day. Additionally, he drew attention to environmental concerns, mentioning the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's efforts to address nonpoint source pollution through grant programs.

Regarding the recent announcement to close and rebuild Stateville Correctional Center and Logan Correctional Center, Senator DeWitte expressed concerns about the impact on employees, inmates, and local communities. He stated, "The Governor recently announced his plan to close and rebuild Stateville Correctional Center in Will County and Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln, leaving many unanswered questions about what will happen to the current employees, inmates, and the local communities."

In conclusion, Senator Don DeWitte's legislative initiatives reflect his commitment to addressing essential issues and improving the lives of Illinois residents across various sectors.