Kane County Reporter

Senator Don DeWitte recently attended a Veterans Day ceremony in St. Charles, emphasizing the importance of honoring veterans for their service and sacrifice. "I hope everyone had an enjoyable Veterans Day yesterday," he stated, underscoring that the day is more than just a holiday but a time to reflect on veterans' sacrifices. He commended the City of St. Charles for recognizing local veterans and highlighted speeches by Col Mark Powell, John DePauw, and Lt Col Jake Wyatt.

In other news, Illinois faces economic challenges as reported by the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB). The state is projected to have a $3.16 billion budget deficit in the upcoming fiscal year. This has raised concerns about potential tax increases. Since Governor JB Pritzker took office, state spending has increased by 32 percent, leading to a $53 billion budget with significant tax hikes and benefits for noncitizens. Senate Republicans advocate for reforms to enhance economic stability.

Additionally, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is offering workshops to assist with college and financial aid applications. The U.S. Department of Education will launch the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in December. Completing FAFSA is crucial for accessing various financial aids like scholarships and grants including Pell Grant and Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant.