Kane County Reporter

State Representative Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) issued a supplemental newsletter on October 9, 2025, to update constituents on recent developments in Illinois. Ugaste explained the lack of newsletters in September was due to his schedule, but noted that many residents value the regular updates.

Ugaste criticized Governor J.B. Pritzker and his administration on several fronts. He cited a WGN report revealing that the Illinois Department of Corrections has not been able to compute recidivism rates since 2022, saying the agency lacks knowledge of how many recently released inmates have committed new crimes.

Ugaste outlined several bills signed by Governor Pritzker, including SB 328, which he said could increase lawsuits against businesses; HB 3125, allowing undocumented immigrants to become driving instructors; and HB 460, which provides taxpayer-funded college aid to undocumented immigrants.

He questioned the Governor's claim that his policies have made Illinois safer and referenced Pritzker’s comments following a violent Labor Day weekend in Chicago: “Look, big cities have crime.” Ugaste called this response “tone deaf and offensive,” arguing it fails families affected by crime in Chicago.

Ugaste expressed concern about the impact of the SAFE-T Act and TRUST Act on public safety. He stated that these policies often result in violent criminals being released pretrial if their alleged offenses are not on a list of detainable crimes. He cited specific cases where individuals charged with serious offenses were released pretrial.

Ugaste also referenced a recent incident involving Kellen McMiller, who was charged in connection with a deadly smash-and-grab on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile after being pictured with Governor Pritzker days earlier at an event recognizing “peacekeepers.” According to Ugaste, “If the Governor truly meant what he said, he’d get tougher on crime.”

On taxes, Ugaste warned that inaction by the Democrat-controlled General Assembly could lead to higher property taxes. He discussed the Supreme Court’s decision in Tyler vs. Hennepin County, which found that local governments cannot keep surplus proceeds from property tax sales. While other states have updated their laws accordingly, Illinois has not yet made changes. This leaves counties vulnerable to lawsuits and potential increases in property taxes if litigation results in damages or settlements.

Regarding jobs, Ugaste shared data from the Illinois Department of Employment Security showing a decrease of 13,300 nonfarm payroll jobs in August but a drop in unemployment to 4.4%, the lowest rate since July 2023.

On budget issues, Ugaste criticized Governor Pritzker for increasing state spending by about 40% and signing what he called the largest budget in state history. He argued that more transparency is needed and called for targeted spending cuts rather than tax increases and fund sweeps.

Ugaste highlighted property taxes as a top concern for Illinois residents and promoted House Bill 9 as a solution to lower property taxes by providing grants to school districts that reduce tax levies. He stated: “Illinois has the highest property taxes in the country, and because of that residents are fleeing to neighboring states with friendlier tax environments,” adding that high property taxes discourage investment and economic growth.

Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) also emphasized the need for relief: “My district borders Missouri, and when I talk to my constituents I constantly hear about the lower taxes across the border,” she said. “If we want to stop the flow of residents leaving our great state, the legislature must stop raising our residents’ taxes. Our seniors suffer under the weight of crushing property tax bills, young families cannot afford to own a home, and our residents are begging for relief. The people of Illinois are tapped out, and deserve relief now.”

Ugaste listed other Republican-backed measures aimed at reducing property taxes and reaffirmed continued advocacy for such proposals.

He also informed constituents about a tax amnesty program announced by the Illinois Department of Revenue. Taxpayers can pay past-due state taxes without penalties or interest between October 1 and November 17. After this period ends, additional penalties and interest will apply.

Ugaste has served as State Representative for Illinois' 65th District since his election in 2019, succeeding Steven Andersson.