Kane County Reporter

Senator DeWitte encourages public participation in upcoming meetings to re-establish Chicago to Rockford rail line

Senator Don DeWitte has invited residents of northern Kane and southern McHenry Counties to attend two upcoming public meetings regarding a proposal to re-establish intercity passenger rail service from Chicago to Rockford, with planned intermediate stops in Elgin, Huntley, and Belvidere.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is partnering with Union Pacific Railroad and Metra for the proposed expanded service. The new rail line aims to benefit commuters traveling to Chicago and visitors heading to Rockford's venues, such as the Hard Rock Casino.

The meetings are scheduled as follows:

- Elgin: September 17, 4:00 – 7:00 PM at The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way

- Huntley: September 18, 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Huntley Park District, 12015 Mill Street

The current proposal includes two round trips per day with an estimated trip time of about two hours. The project timeline targets a start date in 2027.

"I hope to see large turnouts at both of these public meetings," said Senator DeWitte. "I encourage those who would use the service to help keep the project timeline on track by voicing their support and expressing the need for the service."

Additional information can be found at https://chicagotorockfordrail.org/.

In other events, Senator DeWitte thanked attendees of his recent IPASS on Demand event in Algonquin. About 120 people switched out their IPASS transponders for new sticker technology.

Upcoming events include:

- September 17: Senior Expo at St. Charles Pottawatomie Park Community Center, St. Charles from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

- September 21: Shred Event at Pingree Grove from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

- September 24: I-CASH Unclaimed Property Day at Algonquin Village Hall from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

- September 30 - October 16: Coat Drive drop-off locations in West Dundee and St. Charles

- October 15: Senior Expo at Crystal Lake Park District Grand Oaks Building from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

- October 28: IPASS on Demand event at Algonquin Township Building

For more details on these events, visit Senator DeWitte's Events Page on his website.

A recent study by SmartAsset indicates that Illinois is losing young professionals due to its tax burden. The data shows Illinois ranks second among states losing millennials aged between ages of twenty-six and thirty-five earning $200,000 or more annually.

Illinois' high taxes have been cited as a major factor contributing to outmigration. This spring, Governor Pritzker signed nearly $1 billion in new taxes into law primarily aimed at funding spending on the migrant crisis.

"Residents will continue to seek genuine relief elsewhere," stated critics who urge state leaders to address these trends and protect working families.

With the general election approaching, Illinois residents are encouraged to learn about voter registration requirements which include being a U.S. citizen, living in the election precinct for at least thirty days prior to Election Day, and being eighteen years old by Election Day.

For voter registration or status checks, visit the Illinois Online Voter Registration Application Website.

---