» Rep. Elik’s Capitol Update: America 250, SNAP, Seniors, & New Laws

HOT start to summer

It has been a hot (both figuratively and literally) start to summer! My office has been hard at work to plan helpful events for the community, ranging from mobile office hours, shred events, a kids fair, a job fair, and more. We hope you will take these opportunities to engage with us and let us know what’s important to you.

Our annual Kids Fair with Senator Harriss welcomed hundreds of families to Granite City. We had face painting, a foam truck, touch-a-truck, booths, and fun for the whole family. Thank you to The Mill in Granite City and all of our vendors, volunteers and the community for making this event such a success.

Over the weekend we also hosted a shred event in Pontoon Beach to help folks dispose of sensitive documents. If you missed this one, there is another Shred Day planned for September (details below).

I’ve also enjoyed meeting with constituents since I’ve been back from Springfield and spending time in our community. My district office stands ready to help should you need assistance with any state agency or want to know more about any of our upcoming events.

Stay cool during this heat wave, and I hope you can enjoy a wonderful Semiquincentennial as we celebrate this historic milestone for our great nation!

America 250

As we celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial, I am taking time to reflect on the start of our wonderful nation and look forward to the future we are building together.

Illinois has played an instrumental role in America’s story. Before we became an official state in 1818, the prairies of Illinois helped shaped the young country’s growth. Illinois has been the home of many revolutionary leaders, from Abraham Lincoln to Ronald Reagan. Generations of Americans have called this state ‘home,’ and I’m proud to live in this state.

Throughout this celebration, I encourage you and your family to get involved – take part in local events, explore Illinois and American history, and reflect on how we got here and what it means to be part of this great country.

What does America 250 mean to you? Share your story here.

Celebrate with Fireworks

Here are some of our local fireworks shows where you can celebrate America 250:

Alton Fireworks Spectacular: | Alton
Festivities start at 5 p.m. on July 3rd. Fireworks show will start between 9 and 9:30 p.m. For more information click here.
Location: Alton Amphitheater, 1 Riverfront Drive, Alton, IL 62002
July 4: Edwardsville Independence Day Celebration | Edwardsville
From 4-10 p.m., enjoy live entertainment, food and beverage vendors, local vendors and an appearance by a Clydesdale. The evening concludes with a fireworks display beginning at 9 p.m.
Location: American Legion Post 199, Edwardsville
July 4: Patriots in the Park in Granite City
Join the Patriots in the Park celebration and enjoy live music from Shot Gun Creek at 7 p.m. followed by fireworks beginning at 9:15 p.m.
Location: Wilson Park, 2900 Benton St., Granite City, IL 62040
July 4: Godfrey Family Fun Fest and Independence Day Fireworks | Godfrey
From 5-9:30 p.m., enjoy activities for kids and adults, food and beverage vendors, and fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Location: Glazebrook Park, 1401 Stamper Lane, Godfrey
July 4: Wood River Fourth of July Celebration | Wood River
Begins at 4 p.m. this family-friendly festival will have food vendors and community activities. The celebration concludes with a patriotic drone light show beginning at 9:15 p.m.
Location: 880 Belk Park Rd., Wood River
July 5: Grafton Independence Day Fireworks | Grafton
Riverfront fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.
Location: Grafton Riverfront, Lighthouse Park, Grafton

SNAP Error Rate Skyrockets

Illinois’ SNAP error rate has skyrocketed because of years of mismanagement. Families in need deserve a program that is run effectively, and taxpayers deserve accountability.

Governor Pritzker cannot keep blaming the federal government for problems created here at home. It’s time to address fraud, waste, and abuse and fix one of the highest error rates in the nation.

New Law Makes Driver’s License Renewals Easier for Many Seniors

Starting July 1, Illinois drivers ages 79 to 86 will no longer have to take a behind-the-wheel driving test to renew their driver’s licenses. The change comes from the Road Safety & Fairness Act, which raises the age for required driving tests from 79 to 87.

The new law is based on evidence showing that Illinois seniors are among the safest drivers on the road, and this change removes an unnecessary requirement while still keeping safety measures in place.

Under the new rules:

Drivers ages 79 to 80 must pass a vision test when renewing their license.
Drivers ages 81 to 86 must renew their license every two years and pass a vision test.
Drivers age 87 and older must renew their license every year and pass both a vision test and a behind-the-wheel driving test.

Before this change, Illinois was the only state that required some senior drivers to take a driving test every year to keep their licenses.

Cocktails-to-go, new state agency among laws taking effect July 1

July 1 marks a second New Year’s Day in Illinois as a new budget takes effect along with more than a dozen new state laws.

In addition to the state’s nearly $56 billion fiscal year 2027 budget being implemented and the 1-cent motor fuel tax increase being suspended for the remainder of the year, 14 news laws will go into effect on Wednesday.