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State Elected Officials · State Senators

Illinois State Sen. Seth Lewis (R-Springfield)

Recent News About Illinois State Sen. Seth Lewis (R-Springfield)

State Senator Seth Lewis
Government

Senator Lewis Joins Local Dignitaries for Official Opening of SOS Road Testing Facility in Addison

State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) joined Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and other public officials on Tuesday for the official opening and ribbon cutting of the new Secretary of State’s Road Testing Center in Addison. The facility, located at the Addison Township Office, will provide much-needed services for Illinoisans who need to take a behind-the-wheel driving test to obtain or renew a driver’s license.Senator Lewis expressed his enthusiasm for the new facility, stating, “This road testing facility is a wonderful addition to this region and it will...

State Senator Seth Lewis
Government

Illinois Celebrates Successes and Announces New Initiatives for the Holiday Season

As the year comes to a close, Illinois has much to celebrate and look forward to this holiday season. Economic activity is rebounding, and the state is filled with excitement as December approaches. In the spirit of supporting local communities, Illinois encourages holiday shoppers to shop local and support small businesses that are the backbone of the state's economy.One recent success for Illinois is the passing of House Bill 2473, which ends the moratorium on new nuclear reactor construction. This legislation paves the way for the development of next-generation Small...

State Senator Seth Lewis
Government

New Year, New Laws, Part I

More than 300 new laws are set to take effect in Illinois on January 1, 2024, as the state bids farewell to 2023 and welcomes the New Year. Senator [name] is proud to highlight some of the more noteworthy bills that he either voted in favor of or sponsored/co-sponsored. These laws cover a range of important issues and aim to make Illinois a better place for its residents.One of the new laws focuses on providing support to victims of human trafficking. House Bill 2418/P.A. 103-0035 allows victims to petition for the expungement or sealing of their criminal records. Senator...

State Senator Seth Lewis
Government

New Year, New Laws, Part II

As we enter the new year, several new laws will come into effect in Illinois, covering a range of topics from education to healthcare, veterans' support, and even hunting and fishing. These laws aim to address important issues and improve the lives of Illinois residents.In the field of education, a number of new laws will focus on school safety, staffing, and work-based learning. Under House Bill 3559/P.A. 103-0194, schools will now be required to include a rapid entry strategy for law enforcement in their emergency and crisis response plans. Another law, House Bill...

State Senator Seth Lewis
Government

Senator Seth Lewis Launches Second Annual “Valentines for Seniors” Card Drive

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...

State Senator Seth Lewis
Government

Senator Lewis Joins Colleagues in Demanding that Pritzker Rescind Proposed Cuts to Service Hours for Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Illinoisans

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
Government

Pritzker Administration Postpones Cuts in Service Hours for Professional IDD Caregivers in Illinois

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
Government

Close to $5 Million in OSLAD Grants Coming to Communities in Senator Seth Lewis’ 24th Senate District

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...

State Senator Seth Lewis
Government

Ongoing Pressures on the Human Services Budget, Hindu American Heritage Month, and More

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
Government

Senator Seth Lewis Champions Legacy Tax Credit

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...

State Senator Seth Lewis
Government

Senator Seth Lewis Appointed to Senate Republicans’ Budget Negotiation Team

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
Government

School Collaboration Leads to State Mushroom Bill Passage

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
Government

Senator Lewis Announces Summer Fishing Derby Event

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
Government

Senator Seth Lewis Launches Summer Reading Program

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...

State Senator Seth Lewis
Government

Sentor Seth Lewis Responds to Chicago Bears Stadium Plan and Funding Request

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...