Kane County Reporter

Senator Don DeWitte is organizing a healthy snack drive during Young Child Week in Illinois, which will run from April 5-11. The initiative aims to support children in need within the 33rd District. Snacks for donation can be brought to Senator DeWitte’s offices in West Dundee or St. Charles.

Additionally, Senator DeWitte shared a preliminary outreach calendar for the 33rd District, listing community events for 2025. These events include a pet adoption fair on May 10, a prescription drug drop-off event on May 16, a document shredding event on June 28, and ICASH unclaimed property event on August 19, followed by multiple senior fairs scheduled in September and October.

Senate Republicans are actively pursuing legislation to curb human trafficking. Senate Bill 267, which Senator DeWitte endorses as Chief Co-Sponsor, aims to require individuals who engage others in sex work or exploit them for pornography to register as sex offenders. “Senate Bill 267 closes that loophole and ensures the people behind the scenes — the traffickers and facilitators — are held fully accountable for their actions and prevented from reoffending,” Senator DeWitte explained.

In other legislative activity, Senator DeWitte presented Senate Bill 253 to the Senate Revenue Committee, receiving unanimous approval. The bill clarifies existing sales tax exemptions for individuals with disabilities who purchase and modify vehicles. “Senate Bill 253 will remove that ambiguity and make clear that regardless of when a person with a disability modifies and purchases their vehicle, the lower sales tax rate will apply,” Senator DeWitte stated.

April marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month, emphasizing the significance of communities in safeguarding children by providing access to necessary resources. Throughout the month, awareness activities such as press conferences, pinwheel plantings, and art exhibits featuring children's work will occur across Illinois.