Senator Seth Lewis announces new initiatives and community updates in Capitol Report
Illinois State Senator Seth Lewis announced on Mar. 24 a series of legislative efforts, community events, and important updates for residents of the state's 24th Senate District.
Lewis reported that registration is now open for a Mobile DMV event scheduled for April 22 in Wheaton. The event will offer services such as REAL I.D., driver’s license renewals, state identification cards, organ donor registration, and vehicle registration at the Wheaton City Council Chambers. Registration is required due to high demand. Attendees are encouraged to review identification requirements beforehand through the Illinois Secretary of State's website.
In legislative news, Lewis said he is co-sponsoring a package aimed at strengthening protections for children against trafficking and exploitation. The proposed bills include measures to eliminate plea deals for serious offenses involving minors, increase penalties for human trafficking crimes, and require sex offender registration in certain cases involving unauthorized video recording of minors.
The senator also highlighted his recent youth job fair held with State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro, which featured over 40 businesses seeking summer help and internships. Lewis said the event provided students with professional development opportunities such as resume reviews and headshots. He added that paid summer internships remain available through his office.
Lewis congratulated Bensenville Community Public Library District and Wheaton Public Library on receiving Project Next Generation grants totaling nearly $50,000 to support after-school educational programs using federal and state funds.
Additionally, Lewis voiced support for Senate Bill 3954 to create an Illinois Pediatric Cancer Fund dedicated to research grants supporting childhood cancer initiatives. He explained that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services would administer this fund with oversight provisions included in the bill.
Residents were reminded about changes affecting ABLE account eligibility following a federal update raising the qualifying age from before age 26 to before age 46 beginning in 2026—a change expected to benefit approximately 250,000 Illinoisans with disabilities according to illinoisable.com.
Lewis also warned constituents about recent U.S. Postal Service postmark changes that could impact tax filing deadlines this year. Taxpayers are urged by IDOR officials to mail documents earlier or use electronic filing options as described by the Illinois Department of Revenue.
Lewis was elected as a Republican state senator representing Illinois' 24th Senate District in 2023 according to public records.