Senator Seth Lewis highlights property tax relief and local updates in December newsletter
As the holiday season approaches, Illinois State Senator Seth Lewis has extended his wishes to residents of the 24th District, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve and encouraging constituents to reach out for assistance if needed.
Senator Lewis highlighted recent legislative action aimed at providing property tax relief for senior citizens. He announced his co-sponsorship of Senate Bill 642, which was passed during the recent Veto Session. The bill raises the maximum income limit for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption over several years—$75,000 in 2026, $77,000 in 2027, and $79,000 from 2028 onward. According to Lewis, "The aim of the legislation is to expand eligibility for the property tax freeze program to allow more in-need seniors to qualify for relief and stay in their homes."
For families seeking activities during the holiday break, Senator Lewis’s office is offering a free museum pass card that grants entry for up to four people at various museums and zoos in Chicagoland. The pass covers basic entry fees but may not include special exhibits. Reservations are required at least two business days in advance.
Open enrollment is underway for Get Covered Illinois, running from November 1 through January 15. This year marks a transition as Illinois moves to a state-based health insurance marketplace accessible at GetCoveredIllinois.gov. Residents must enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1. Free enrollment help is available statewide both online and by phone.
A new Secretary of State office has opened in Naperville at 1771 W. Diehl Road, replacing its previous location on W. 75th Street after more than three decades. The updated facility offers expanded space and parking as well as consolidated driver and vehicle services into one station with cross-trained staff.
Additionally, Illinoisans can now add digital driver’s licenses or state IDs to their iPhone Apple wallets following a new mobile ID program launched by the Secretary of State’s Office. Support for Google and Samsung wallet users is expected next year.
In national news included in Senator Lewis's update, production of the United States penny has ended after more than two centuries; existing pennies will remain legal tender despite no further coins being minted.
Finally, Illinois residents are being cautioned about text message scams impersonating communications from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Officials clarify that IDOT does not send unsolicited payment requests via text message; legitimate notices are sent through mail only.
Lewis was elected as a Republican senator representing Illinois' 24th Senate District in 2023, succeeding Suzy Glowiak.