Kane County Reporter

Senator Don DeWitte recently participated in a panel hosted by Safe Suburbs USA in Geneva, where he discussed crime trends in Kane County alongside other esteemed panelists. DeWitte highlighted the concerning increase in child sexual exploitation and stolen vehicles in the county, emphasizing the importance of addressing these crimes against children. He noted that the newly established Child Exploitation Unit in Kane County, with retired Naperville detective Rich Wistocki as a special investigator, has shown promising results but stressed that more work needs to be done.

In response to a controversial decision by Governor JB Pritzker’s Prisoner Review Board, Senator DeWitte and the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus have introduced reforms aimed at prioritizing victims, depoliticizing the appointment process, and ensuring accountability for the board's decisions. DeWitte expressed his view that the proposed legislation is a crucial first step in reforming the operations of the Prisoner Review Board.

Addressing the growing teacher shortage in Illinois, Senator DeWitte is supporting new legislation aimed at mitigating the crisis. The bills he is sponsoring focus on streamlining the licensing process for educators, providing tax credits for participating teachers, and lowering requirements for substitute teacher licenses. DeWitte emphasized the importance of making the teaching profession more accessible and appealing to qualified candidates.

Furthermore, Senator DeWitte highlighted the efforts of the Illinois Poison Center in raising public awareness about household dangers during National Poison Prevention Week. He emphasized the importance of proper storage and labeling of household items to prevent accidental poisonings and encouraged residents to seek help by calling the IPC helpline in case of exposure to poisons.

Lastly, Senator DeWitte expressed concern about the measles outbreak in migrant shelters in Chicago, noting the increase in confirmed cases and the potential health risks associated with the contagious disease. He urged residents to stay informed about preventive measures and seek medical attention if needed.

Senator Don DeWitte's active involvement in addressing key legislative issues in Illinois reflects his commitment to promoting public safety, protecting victims, and addressing critical concerns affecting the state.