Kane County Reporter

Democrat Ed Burke, Chicago’s longest-serving alderman and a longtime ally of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, has been sentenced to prison in the latest high-profile corruption case in Illinois. Burke was convicted on 13 charges of bribery, racketeering, and extortion. He received a two-year prison sentence and a $2 million fine for leveraging his position to improperly influence business dealings for personal gain.

Senate Republicans view this conviction as evidence of the need for tougher ethics reforms to hold politicians accountable and facilitate law enforcement investigations into public corruption. They have proposed measures including stronger revolving door prohibitions, banning elected officials from working as paid lobbyists, and campaign finance reforms.

Senator Don DeWitte recently participated in the 20th annual New Citizen Recognition Ceremony in Elgin. "I am always honored to join Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain and my fellow legislators from the area to congratulate new Elgin area residents who have chosen to become U.S. citizens," said DeWitte.

Several new laws are set to take effect on July 1. Public Act 103-0210 allows non-citizens to obtain standard driver’s licenses. Public Act 103-0556 requires influencers to set up trust funds for children if they earn income from their child’s likeness. Public Act 103-0393 mandates school boards hold public votes before approving new contracts for district-administered assessments. Public Act 103-0417 creates protections for independent contractors under the Freelance Worker Protection Act.

DeWitte also hosted Traveling Office Hours at the Algonquin public library, where he met with constituents and provided assistance on issues involving state agencies. Upcoming Traveling Office Hours events are scheduled for July 11 in South Elgin, July 23 in Crystal Lake, August 1 in Geneva, and August 19 in Carpentersville.

The Illinois Tollway is transitioning from plastic IPASS transponders to stickers. An “IPASS On Demand” event will be held on July 10 in St. Charles with State Rep. Dan Ugaste and Senator DeWitte assisting residents with the switch.

IDOT’s newest Multi-Year Improvement Plan allocates $53.22 million for projects in the 33rd Senate District over six years, with $24.35 million designated for state highway improvements and $28.87 million for local highways.

The Illinois State Police (ISP) has partnered with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to enhance child protection training through the Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) program.

Lastly, IDNR is offering free camping near state fairgrounds during the Illinois State Fair with the purchase of a 2024 admission booklet between June 26 and July 3.

For more information about these events and initiatives, visit Senator DeWitte's website or contact his office directly.