Senator Seth Lewis introduces legislative package to support small businesses and workers

Illinois State Senator Seth Lewis announced on April 6 a new legislative package aimed at supporting small businesses, providing relief to workers, and improving the state's economic competitiveness. The proposals were introduced during a press conference alongside two of his colleagues.

The measures come as Illinois faces ongoing economic challenges, including projected population loss, slow job growth, and rising costs for employers and families. The proposed bills are intended to reduce costs for businesses and encourage long-term investment in the state.

The legislative package includes Senate Bill 3786, sponsored by Lewis, which would create a Legacy Tax Credit for companies headquartered in Illinois. This credit is designed to reward firms that invest in the state over time and generate jobs. Other bills include Senate Bill 3792 by Senator Craig Wilcox to eliminate income tax on tipped wages; Senate Bill 137 by Wilcox to increase the retailer’s discount for small businesses; and Senate Bill 2763 by Senator Dave Syverson allowing deductions of health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses from state taxes.

Following the press conference, Lewis discussed these proposals with Senator Wilcox on the “Illinois Insider” podcast hosted by Mark Hespin. He said these initiatives would work together "to strengthen Illinois’ economic competitiveness while rewarding businesses that have chosen Illinois as their headquarters and have stayed here."

Lewis also highlighted an upcoming Mobile DMV event in Wheaton scheduled for April 22 at City Hall from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Services will include REAL I.D., driver’s license renewals or replacements, free state I.D.s for seniors age 65+, license plate renewal stickers, organ/tissue donor registration, motor vehicle registration services, with about ten appointment slots remaining as of this announcement.

Additionally, Lewis reported that all Public Safety Answering Points across Illinois have transitioned to Next Generation 911 (NG911), replacing older voice-based systems with secure internet-based networks that route calls based on precise caller location. This upgrade is expected to improve emergency response reliability statewide.

In recent meetings with local officials from DuPage Mayors & Managers Conference (DMMC), concerns were raised about pending legislation such as Governor Pritzker’s BUILD Plan—which may reduce local control over zoning—and ongoing cuts to the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF). Lewis said it is important "to allow our local officials to have local control" so communities can address residents' needs directly.

Lewis also met with advocacy groups at the State Capitol regarding agriculture education through University of Illinois Extension programs and Future Farmers of America (FFA), military recruitment efforts under SB3626 with representatives from Department of Military Affairs, homeschool advocates during Homeschool Advocacy Day events, and Autism Speaks supporters discussing continued assistance for individuals affected by autism.

On March 25 lawmakers wore purple in recognition of Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter’s Day of Action—a move meant "to highlight both the urgency of the issue and importance of continued legislative action" as more than 250,000 residents live with Alzheimer’s disease statewide.

Back in his district last week, Lewis presented honorary resolutions recognizing St. Andrews Golf & Country Club's centennial anniversary; Western DuPage Special Recreation Association's five decades serving area residents; and constituent Josephine Dabrowski's milestone birthday celebration.

The spring trout fishing season began April 4 across more than fifty locations statewide—with catch-and-release rules preceding regular harvest limits—supported through sales of inland trout stamps according to site-specific regulations available at https://ifishillinois.org/.

Lewis was elected as a Republican senator representing Illinois' 24th District in 2023 after succeeding Suzy Glowiak according to available records.