Kane County Reporter

Senator Don DeWitte has announced a series of upcoming events for residents in Illinois’ 33rd District, focusing on constituent services and community engagement. The schedule includes Traveling Office Hours at the Algonquin Public Library on August 6, an ICASH Unclaimed Property Event at the Gail Borden Public Library District’s South Elgin Branch on August 19, and several Senior Fairs in Carpentersville, St. Charles, and Crystal Lake throughout September and October.

DeWitte noted that while he does not usually attend Traveling Office Hours himself, his constituent services staff is always present to assist with issues related to state departments and agencies. “The purpose of these events is to provide assistance to constituents who are struggling with an issue involving state departments and agencies. To that end, my constituent services staff always attends Traveling Office Hours,” he said.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about future activities by checking the Events page on Senator DeWitte’s website.

In other updates, Senator DeWitte addressed Illinois’ ranking as having the highest property tax rate in the United States. Citing data from the Tax Foundation, he pointed out that “Illinois homeowners paid an average effective property tax rate of 1.83% in 2023.” He contrasted this with lower rates in neighboring states and linked high taxes to population decline in Illinois.

This development follows Governor J.B. Pritzker signing what has been described as the largest state budget in Illinois history, which included nearly $1 billion in new taxes and fees. “The Governor’s agenda is crushing working families, piling even more taxes onto Illinoisans. Instead of making life more affordable, Pritzker and his allies are choosing to spend more, tax more, and ignore real reforms that could actually bring relief to homeowners,” DeWitte stated.

Senate Republicans have also criticized Governor Pritzker’s stance on redistricting reform after his recent comments regarding efforts outside Illinois. They argue that he broke a campaign promise by approving partisan maps drawn by Democrats behind closed doors in 2021. “On the campaign trail, Pritzker pledged to support independent redistricting and to veto gerrymandered maps, but once in office, he reversed course. In 2021, he signed partisan maps drawn in secret by Democrats. The maps were designed to protect Democratic control, not ensure fair representation,” according to Senate Republicans.

“Pritzker is now faking outrage over fairness while inserting himself into redistricting debates out of state. After setting the standard for partisan map manipulation in Illinois, his calls for fairness are the textbook definition of hypocrisy. His words ring hollow and appear more focused on political advantage than principle,” they continued.

“If the rules only matter when his party benefits, it was never about voters or fairness. Instead of correcting the damage already done, Pritzker appears ready to double down. Illinois families deserve a transparent redistricting process, not more political games from Springfield.”

Don DeWitte has represented Illinois' 33rd Senate District since being elected as a Republican in 2018; he succeeded Karen McConnaughay as state senator for this district.