Senator Seth Lewis recently led a bipartisan delegation from Illinois to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in an effort to strengthen ties and promote investment, tourism, and cultural exchange between Illinois and the UAE. The group spent three days each in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The delegation included members of both the Illinois Senate and House, representatives from the City of Chicago, and leaders from World Business Chicago. The trade mission was organized by the Illinois Association for Global Trade. Senator Lewis stated that no taxpayer funds were used for his participation.
Meetings with senior economic and business leaders focused on building relationships and long-term collaboration, particularly attracting investment to Illinois. “I personally outlined more than $20 billion in U.S. investment opportunities and discussed Illinois’ strengths in infrastructure, workforce readiness, logistics, tourism, and innovation,” said Lewis.
He added: “The goal of the visit was straightforward: to introduce Illinois to leaders in the UAE and explain why Illinois is a great place to invest.” Discussions also covered expanding tourism, fostering cultural exchanges, and creating partnerships that benefit communities across Illinois.
Lewis emphasized his commitment to making Illinois attractive for residents by seeking investment and job growth opportunities. He noted that UAE delegates recognized Illinois’ potential but were waiting for engagement from state representatives.
“Illinois is strong because of what I call the Four L’s: Labor, with a highly educated workforce; Location/Logistics, as the crossroads of the Midwest with comprehensive rail, road, and airport infrastructure anchored by the City of Chicago; Land, with fertile farmland that supports food production and global markets; and Lake Michigan, with its abundant water resources,” he said. “These strengths make Illinois uniquely competitive and ripe for investment.”
Senator Lewis described the mission as productive for all involved parties. He expressed hope for ongoing conversations leading to real investments benefiting people across Illinois.
In addition to international outreach efforts, Senator Lewis announced continued paid internship opportunities within his office for high school and college students this summer. These internships offer hands-on experience working in a legislative office environment while developing professional skills relevant to law or government careers.
A Youth Summer Job Fair will take place on March 18 at Bloomingdale Park District from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM. The event targets students aged 16-21 seeking summer jobs or internships. Area businesses will be present offering positions ranging from seasonal help to year-round employment.
Attendees are encouraged to bring resumes and dress professionally as some interviews may occur onsite during this hiring event aimed at connecting young job seekers with local employers.
Senator Lewis also shared details about upcoming community events throughout his district over several months—including mobile DMV services in Wheaton (April 22) and Roselle (May 1), Senior Expos (June 24 in Wheaton; July 30 in Roselle), a Disability Resource Fair (August 20), as well as a Children’s Safety Expo (August 29). Additional events will be posted on his website as they are scheduled.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has awarded $36 million through its Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program for park projects statewide—including nearly $2.7 million allocated specifically toward DuPage County (Glen Ellyn Park District’s Village Green Park—$600k; Naperville Park District’s Nike Sports Complex—$600k) and Suburban Cook County projects such as Bartlett Park District’s Tallgrass Park ($292k), Hanover Park Ranger Park improvements ($600k), Schaumburg’s North Park phase three ($600k). Grants can cover up to half—or up to ninety percent—for under-resourced communities’ project costs.
Since its creation in 1986 OSLAD has provided over $675 million supporting parks across Illinois.
Changes are coming soon regarding federal SNAP work requirements effective February 2026 according to updates shared by IDHS—the new rules expand definitions affecting eligibility so more recipients could face time limits if not meeting work requirements or qualifying exemptions beginning May 2026 when benefits could end after three months within any three-year period unless compliance is shown or exemption applies. Customers can use online tools like ABE SNAP Work Requirements screener or consult outreach materials prepared by Greater Chicago Food Depository ahead of these changes; further updates will appear on snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov.
Finally nominations are open until June 2nd for induction into next year’s Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame—a program recognizing outstanding achievements among state residents age sixty-five or older who have contributed significantly through arts sports education service or other fields; posthumous nominations accepted if criteria met at time of death.
