Schaumburg Township Republicans On the Radar Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 5 July 2025
In this issue:
Illinois lawmakers get 26 seconds per page to read FY 2026 budget – from Illinois Policy"Lawmakers in the Illinois General Assembly must read fast when they get final state budgets, because thousands of pages are dropped on them at the last minute before they must vote. They averaged about 67 seconds per page to digest the past nine state appropriations bills. For the past four years they had less than 30 seconds per page to read over 3,000 pages. Evelyn Wood would be proud." Full story at Wirepoints Gov. Pritzker denies that illegal migrants receive Medicaid benefits in IllinoisMembers of the Illinois General Assembly delivered to Gov. J.B. Pritzker a record $55.2 billion budget plan, which requires $1.1 billion in new taxes. Overall, state spending will grow by about 5% from last year's enacted plan. Despite tax hikes and record spending, the FY2026 budget falls $4.5 billion short of what is required to keep up with the state’s pension debt. However, the budget includes $182 million to provide shelter, health care and other services for recently arrived migrants and includes $440 million from the general revenue fund for state-funded Medicaid-like benefits to noncitizens, with $189 million from other state funds as well. (Illinois Policy Institute) On June 12, 2025, Governor Pritzker appeared before the House Oversight Committee. Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) questioned him, DONALDS: “Governor, don’t you keep track of how many people are on your Medicaid rolls, how many people who are illegal immigrants in the State of Illinois who are getting benefits in your state?” PRITZKER: “They don’t get Medicaid in Illinois or in any state as far as I know.” DONALDS: “Governor, do you not keep track of any public service dollars in the State of Illinois that go to illegal immigrants?” PRITZKER: “We keep track of our budget and it’s been balanced for the past seven years.” DONALDS: “It’s interesting, I’ve noticed that in the State of Illinois, you don’t really keep track of your money…A month ago, I asked your mayor in Chicago a similar question, and he didn’t have an answer…I think this might be an Illinois problem.” Watch this exchange on Youtube: Illinois Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro reacts to FY2026 budgetIn a video posted to YouTube, Representative Sanalitro (R-48) outlines what the budget does and does not address. You can watch the Youtube video here: Here’s a taste. “Do you know what made it into this budget,” said Rep. Sanalitro, “pork projects for Democrat districts, but Republican districts got nothing…Pay raises for lawmakers, but no crackdowns on waste, fraud, and abuse. “Do you know what else made it into this budget; money for illegal immigrant housing, healthcare, and transportation, but nothing for veterans, counties, municipalities and townships that operate programs for seniors and other at-risk groups.” Another pay increase for lawmakers.The FY2026 budget includes another cost-of-living pay raise for Illinois lawmakers. The law establishing a COLA for state lawmakers is found in the Illinois Compiled Statutes, specifically under Chapter 25, Legislature. The COLA is capped at 5% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. Illinois lawmakers went from $93,712 in 2024 to $98,304 this year. Are they worth it? About 71 percent of the 177 lawmakers earn additional money, called stipends, for holding leadership posts or serving in key committee positions. Those stipends range from $10,327 to $27,477. Not a single Republican lawmaker voted for this. We encourage you to open this link to an article from Wirepoints: Why do we pay nearly $100K in salary for each Illinois lawmaker? | Wirepoints Illinoisans pay the second-highest rate for gas taxes, behind only California.You’ll remember that in 2019, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Rebuild Illinois capital plan, doubling the state’s motor fuel tax rate from 19 cents to 38 cents per gallon. Included in the plan were annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index, which now brings the tax to 48.3¢. Illinois’ motor fuel tax is the second highest in the nation behind California. To that Cook County adds 6¢ per gallon, and DuPage adds 9.7¢ per gallon. Other state taxes on fuel include an underground storage tank tax, an environmental impact fee, and a separate tax for the Illinois’ Underground Storage Tank Fund. When you add a federal tax of 18.4¢ per gallon, Illinoisans pay more than 85¢ per gallon of gas in taxes. STRO EventsDate: Saturday, July 19, 2025, 9:30 am – 12:30 PM Republican Precinct Committeeman Training at the Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Rd, Schaumburg. Instruction is by Bob Grogan, CPA, CFE. Former IL Rep. Jeanne Ives IL-03 and Debbie Kanarowski, ILSCC-08 will also be presenting. Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 from 6 – 8 pm. It’s a time for fun; We’re throwing a STRO Social – a STROcial at Moretti’s, 2475 W. Higgins Rd., Hoffman Estates. There will be appetizers and Cash Bar. Please RSVP at https://www.stgop.org/strocial_stro_social_20250723 Date: Sunday, August 3, 2025, starting at 1 pm. We’re STROing a PICNIC at the Grove at Saint Peter Lutheran Church. The cost is $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers or those who did not pre-register. A child under 12 is free if accompanied by a member. Please RSVP at https://www.stgop.org/stro_picnic_20250803. Registration ends July 31 so we can give accurate numbers to the caterer.
Please join us on Facebook or Instagram. |
News & Opinion
Turn to the STRO News and Opinion page to stay informed about news items and opinion pieces that are of interest to residents of Schaumburg Township.
On The Radar Newsletter
On The Radar is the newsletter of the Schaumburg Township Republican Organization and features stories about local news, events and activities.
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Schaumburg Township Republicans On the Radar Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 1 - January 2026
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Schaumburg Township Republicans On the Radar Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 5 - July 2025
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Schaumburg Township Republicans On the Radar Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 4 - May 2025
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Schaumburg Township Republicans On the Radar Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 3 - March 2025
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Schaumburg Township Republicans On the Radar Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 2 - February 2025
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Schaumburg Township Republicans On the Radar Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 1 - January 2025
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Schaumburg Township Republicans On the Radar Newsletter Vol 1 Issue 5 - October 20, 2024 PDF
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Schaumburg Township Republicans On the Radar Newsletter Vol 1 Issue 4 - October 14, 2024 PDF
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Schaumburg Township Republicans On the Radar Newsletter Vol 1 Issue 3 - September 07, 2024 PDF
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Schaumburg Township Republicans On the Radar Newsletter Vol 1 Issue 2 - August 12, 2024 PDF
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Schaumburg Township Republicans On the Radar Newsletter Vol 1 Issue 1 - June 22, 2024 PDF
News and Opinion
Aug 24, 2025 North Cook News: Schaumburg GOP's Folisi on Dist. 211 trans athlete controversy: ‘It's bad policy, that's just the bottom line’
Schaumburg Township 2025 Elections
Schaumburg Township Election Coming April 1, 2025
With the November 2024 elections over, many people are breathing a sigh of relief. But it’s not over. There’s another election fast approaching and it’s very important. It’s the election for Schaumburg Township board members who govern your schools, library, park district, township, and village, your township assessor, clerk, and highway commissioner.
Schaumburg Township residents pay for these local government agencies with your annual property taxes (First Installment due March 4, 2025). These officials will approve the budgets that use your tax dollars and oversee the spending of hundreds of millions of dollars for local services. They will determine the levy to be imposed on your property taxes for the coming year. You want the best candidates, dedicated to the office they hold and accountable to you the taxpayer. It’s difficult to balance these competing priorities. Note that many officials are never paid for their work.
Four years ago, only 13 percent of eligible voters voted for local officials! Most residents ignored the election. Let this year be different. Be informed and mark your calendar. You don’t want to miss this election.
In 2021, all four Republicans on the Board of Trustees for Schaumburg Township were replaced by Democrats, despite the fact they had done a stellar job managing the budget while expanding services. The reason for the turnover was low voter turnout. Schaumburg Township is now 60%-40% in favor of the Democrats. You can’t afford to sit this out. The election results of 2021 were so close that one Republican trustee lost her seat by only 16 votes.
The current Schaumburg Township Board of Trustees has completed a costly renovation project to add space for additional employees. They’ve formed a DEI Commission. They’ve ordered four electric buses and are currently installing charging stations, and they’ve grown the annual budget from $6 Million in 2021 to $12 Million in just three years.
So what’s the lesson here? When voters do not participate in local elections, Democrats move in, go on spending sprees, and promote their agenda.
YOU can make your voice heard by voting April 1, 2025, or by voting early beginning March 17. We strongly suggest you VOTE EARLY! Our Township cannot function properly when only 13% of eligible voters vote! Here are the Schaumburg Township Republican Organization endorsed candidates who deserve, and need, your vote.
STRO Recommended Candidates
for Schaumburg Township Board

Tim Heneghan for Township Supervisor
- Current Township Supervisor since 2019
- A long-time resident of the Township where he raised 3 lovely daughters.
- 38-year career in the Energy Industry
- As a former Township Trustee and Clerk, Tim has worked tirelessly to secure municipal, county, state and federal funding for Township programs.
- Tim is currently the only voting member on the Board of Trustees who is a Republican.

Char Kegarise for Township Assessor
- A District 54 volunteer since 1980, Char was later elected a D-54 Trustee and served for 26 years, many of them as Board President where she received national recognition for leadership.
- Appointed to Township Board since 2019 where she served as liaison to the Mental Health and the Senior & Disability Committees.
- Village of Schaumburg Bikeways Committee for over 30 years.

Daniel Lee for Township Clerk
- 19-year resident of Schaumburg Township, husband and father of two wonderful children at West Point and Illinois State University.
- Currently serves on the Economic Development Commission and Planning & Zoning Commission for the Village of Hoffman Estates.
- Local businessman with a degree in International Relations & Global Security from American Military University.

Scott Kegarise for Township Highway Commissioner
- Current Schaumburg Township Highway Commissioner
- After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force in 1975, Scott moved to Schaumburg in 1979 where he raised three sons with his wonderful wife Char.
- Local business owner for 45 years. 48 years in fuel analysis and lubrication for machinery and heavy equipment.
- By working with state and county agencies and municipalities, he has instituted numerous cost-saving agreements to resolve drainage and paving issues, and has reduced the levy in the past three years.

Chuck Cerniglia for Township Trustee
- Longtime resident of Schaumburg Township with an extensive history of business ownership that spans three decades and the father of three grown children.
- Board member of the Chicago Association of Direct Marketing and the Mail System Management Association.
- Degree in Social Science.
- Local advisory board member of the National Ball Hockey League.

Roberto Robaina for Township Trustee
- Schaumburg Township native who attended D-54 and D-211 schools where he played sports and became an Eagle Scout.
- BA in Political Science and MA in Higher and Post-Secondary Education.
- Worked in New York City government overseeing internship programs before returning to Schaumburg Township.
- Works in higher education philanthropy and advancement.

Jon Scannicchio for Township Trustee
- A newly-wed and 33-year resident of Hoffman Estates.
- UIUC degree in technical systems management and has 8+ years of experience in data analysis, planning, and management.
- A fiscal Conservative who believes in accountable stewarding and individual responsibility.
- Holds a strong belief in the importance of connection and community.

Jennifer Wesche for Township Trustee
- A 30-year resident and graduate of Schaumburg Christian School and Bob Jones University.
- Nurse at Alexian Brothers Medical Center for over 20 years, serving in several critical care positions, including ICU, the COVID ICU unit, and the cardiovascular ICU.
- Jennifer serves as a Precinct Captain, and her goals include promoting healthcare, advocating for freedom, and serving her local community.
STRO Recommended Candidates
for Schaumburg Library Trustee

Anita Forte for Township Library Board Trustee
- 20-year service as Trustee for the Schaumburg Township District Library and 7-time Board President.
- Anita led the abatement (refund) of $1.5 Million back to the taxpayers of Schaumburg Township for the 2nd Installment of their 2019 property tax bills.
- Recognized for Excellence in Library Leadership, the 2020 Special Districts in Leadership in Technology Innovation Award.
- Provided open access to all library materials, while maintaining a balanced budget and removing unnecessary expenditures. Priority on all tax dollars being allocated to keep the library operating at optimum levels.

George Rowe for Township Library Board Trustee
- Twelve-year resident of Schaumburg, working in heavy industry for 25 years as a Mechanical Engineer.
- A volunteer for a local church program that serves an important role, in working to end global-hunger
- A Republican Precinct Captain working to get neighbors and constituents the information needed to make wise national and local government decisions.
- Committed to local government investments being spent effectively and with common sense, conservative goals.
STRO Recommended Candidate
for Schaumburg District 54 School Board

Jim Pye for District 54 School Board
- Experienced leader who has served for 8 years on the District 54 School Board.
- Past retail real estate director with MBA (Northern Illinois University) and Civil Engineering (University of Illinois) degree.
- Fiscal responsibility, enacted safety recommendations, including building designs, elimination of annual student fees, D-54 Nights at NOW Arena, and partnership with local businesses to enhance student experiences.
- Graduate of District 54 schools as well as his two sons.

Schaumburg Township Republican Organization Newsletter
In June 2024, the Schaumburg Township Republican Organization began publishing its newsletter titled On The Radar. All issues of the newsletter will be made available here and are listed in reverse chronological order.
Current Issue
Past Issues
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Schaumburg Township Republicans On the Radar Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 5 - July 2025
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Schaumburg Township Republicans On the Radar Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 4 - May 2025
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Schaumburg Township Republicans On the Radar Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 3 - March 2025
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Schaumburg Township Republicans On the Radar Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 2 - February 2025
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Schaumburg Township Republicans On the Radar Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 1 - January 2025
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Schaumburg Township Republicans On the Radar Newsletter Vol 1 Issue 5 - October 20, 2024 PDF
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Schaumburg Township Republicans On the Radar Newsletter Vol 1 Issue 4 - October 14, 2024 PDF
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Schaumburg Township Republicans On the Radar Newsletter Vol 1 Issue 3 - September 07, 2024 PDF
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Schaumburg Township Republicans On the Radar Newsletter Vol 1 Issue 2 - August 12, 2024 PDF
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Schaumburg Township Republicans On the Radar Newsletter Vol 1 Issue 1 - June 22, 2024 PDF
Schaumburg Republicans 2024 Launch Event Photos
On Thursday, June 6, the Schaumburg Township Republican Organization hosted a Launch Event at our Roselle Road office which culminated the strategic planning efforts of our organization. The program was very well attended by local Republican volunteers who witnessed the plans for increasing our influence in the township, primarily by stepping up our door-to-door efforts over the summer and into the fall and increasing our communication to township residents through the increased distribution of our newsletter and greater social media efforts.
The presentation by SURUS, LLC offered some background on their goals and efforts around the state of Illinois, as well as the detailed plan for Schaumburg Township Republican efforts gathered from input given through a series of meetings and surveys of the STRO board last fall and through the winter.
We're aware of a number of township residents who expressed a strong interest in this program but were unable to attend the Launch Event.
- If you are interested in becoming more involved with the Schaumburg Township Republican Organization, please visit our Get Involved page.
- If you would like to become a supporting member of the Schaumburg Township Republican Organization, please visit our Join page.
- If you're not able to volunteer but would like to support our efforts in 2024 by making a donation, please visit our Donate page.






