State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) has contested the claims of the Chicago Teacher’s Union (CTU), which recently saw 600 members take a taxpayer-funded day off to demand an additional $1 billion in state funding for Chicago Public Schools. According to Sen. Lewis, recent funding figures challenge many of the assertions made by the CTU.
State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) proposed a $1.25 million funding request before the Senate Appropriations Committee for a stoplight improvement in Wheaton on May 8, 2024.
Illinois Senator Lewis has been actively involved in pushing for various legislative reforms in Springfield as the session hits high gear. Addressing the pressing issue of public safety, Senator Lewis, alongside Senate Minority Leader John Curran, emphasized the need to strengthen penalties for fleeing and eluding the police. Senator Lewis highlighted the importance of prioritizing public safety to make Illinois a desirable place to live.Senator Lewis also engaged with high school students during the Spring Student Advisory Council meeting, providing them with a platform...
On May 1, 2024, Senator Seth Lewis, the Minority Spokesperson for the Senate Appropriations- Public Safety & Infrastructure Committee, raised questions during a hearing with the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA) regarding the proposed new lakefront stadium for the Chicago Bears.Senator Lewis emphasized the importance of clarifying facts amidst speculation, stating, “The rumor mill has been running wild since last week’s new stadium proposal announcement, and I felt we needed to separate fact from fiction.” He also highlighted that the ISFA's ability to proceed...
State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) has voiced his concerns regarding the new stadium plan unveiled by the Chicago Bears, which would require Illinois taxpayers to cover half of the project's costs. In a statement issued in response to the stadium details and funding arrangement, Senator Lewis highlighted the importance of accountability for both taxpayers and fans.Senator Lewis, serving as the Minority Spokesperson for the Appropriations-Public Safety & Infrastructure Committee, expressed his intentions to closely scrutinize the Sports Finance Authority's Fiscal Year...
Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) has initiated a summer literacy learning program aimed at first through sixth-grade students from the 24th District. The program is designed to keep young minds active during the summer break from school."Students need to exercise their brains," emphasized Lewis. "Just like exercising keeps muscles in shape, reading keeps the brain in shape. If students don’t read over the summer, they do not retain all they learned the previous school year and lose literacy skills."The challenge set for students entering first through sixth grades is to...
Senator Lewis has announced an exciting upcoming event for fishing enthusiasts. The Summer Fishing Derby is set to take place on Saturday, June 29, at Herrick Lake in Wheaton. The event will run from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.In a statement, Senator Lewis encouraged the community to participate, stating, "Mark your calendars now so you can participate in Senator Lewis’ Summer Fishing Derby!"Those interested in attending the event or seeking more information are advised to reach out to Joe at [email protected]. As stated, "For more information, please contact Joe at...
State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) successfully shepherded a bill through the Senate that designates the Calvatia Gigantea, or “Giant Puffball,” as the official state mushroom. The initiative, outlined in Senate Bill 3514, was a collaborative effort with students from the Prairie School of DuPage, as reported on Apr 10, 2024.Prairie School of DuPage Teacher Erin Hemmer commended the students' efforts, stating, “Since November, all 25 Upper Elementary scholars collected qualitative and quantitative data, surveyed over 100 Illinois stakeholders, and even held a...
State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) has been appointed to serve on the Senate Republicans’ Budget Negotiation Team as discussions for the Fiscal Year 2025 budget begin in earnest.Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove) expressed his confidence in Lewis, stating, “Senator Lewis brings a wealth of much-needed expertise to the budget-making process. I am confident he will be a strong voice for prioritizing the needs of Illinois families in crafting this year’s spending package.”In bipartisan discussions of priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, Lewis...
State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) is pushing for legislation that would incentivize businesses to stay in Illinois. His proposed Senate Bill 2075 introduces a "legacy tax credit" for businesses that have chosen to locate and remain headquartered in the state. The tax credit would amount to $100 for each year the business has been based in Illinois."Illinois is located in the heart of the United States and we have so much to offer. Our state is a major transportation hub, we have a highly skilled workforce, and we are home to top-tier institutions of education," said...
The Illinois Legislature reconvened on February 6, with committees beginning the process of reviewing the numerous bills filed for the 2024 session. Among the pressing issues that will be addressed this year is the influx of individuals into communities who are unable to care for themselves, placing strain on the existing residents of Illinois. Senator Lewis, a member of the Senate Appropriations Health & Human Services Committee, expressed concern about the lack of increased budget allocation for this area. He fears that funds may be diverted away from those who have long...
State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) has announced that close to $5 million in Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants are coming to communities in the 24th District.“I was pleased to see that communities in the 24th District received a large share of the total grant funds this year,” said Lewis. “The funds will go far in assisting with some very welcomed recreational projects for those living in this region.”The OSLAD program, established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986, is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that...
The Pritzker Administration and the Department of Human Services (IDHS) in Illinois have decided to postpone the implementation of significant cuts in service hours for professionals who provide care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) living in group homes. This decision comes after facing intense opposition from legislators, service providers, and families who would have been affected by the cuts.State Senator Seth Lewis, a vocal opponent of the cuts, emphasized the government's responsibility to care for vulnerable citizens. He stated,...
State Senator Seth Lewis, a Republican from Bartlett, has joined forces with his colleagues in demanding that Governor Pritzker withdraw a proposal to reduce service hours for intellectually and developmentally disabled adults in Illinois group homes. The proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025 includes a plan to cut service hours by 2.5 million, a move that has caused concern among advocates for the disabled community.One organization deeply affected by these potential cuts is the Ray Graham Association, which operates multiple group homes in Senator Lewis' district. These...
State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) has announced the launch of his second annual "Valentines for Seniors" card drive in Illinois. The initiative aims to bring joy and show appreciation to seniors in assisted living centers, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities across the 24th Senate District during the week of Valentine's Day.Senator Lewis is encouraging students from public and private schools, church groups, scouting organizations, and other community groups to create homemade cards and drawings for the seniors. The cards will serve as a reminder that they...