Senator Seth Lewis named outstanding legislator by state park districts association
Senator Seth Lewis has been recognized as the 2026 Outstanding Legislator of the Year by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD). The award was presented during the IAPD's annual conference in Chicago. Lewis, a Republican, was elected to the Illinois State Senate in 2023 and represents the state's 24th Senate District, succeeding Suzy Glowiak.
Lewis currently represents 18 park districts, two forest preserve districts, and two special recreation agencies. He emphasized the importance of local park systems: "I recognize how vital our park systems are for our communities, and it has been a privilege to work collaboratively with local park district leaders and other officials on the protection of natural resources and the active and passive recreational opportunities our parks provide."
During the award presentation, IAPD President and CEO Peter Murphy highlighted Lewis’s legislative efforts: “Senator Lewis’ door is always open to IAPD, and his willingness to work across the aisle on behalf of park and recreation agencies sets a strong example of effective bipartisanship. For his unwavering support and partnership, we are proud to recognize Senator Lewis as IAPD’s Outstanding Legislator of the Year.”
In recent weeks, Lewis met with representatives from Ray Graham Association, Little Friends, Parents Alliance Employment Project, and WorkNet DuPage Career Center to discuss employment challenges facing individuals in the intellectually and developmentally disabled (IDD) community. He said these meetings were productive in identifying ways he could help advance initiatives aimed at improving quality of life for those with IDD.
Lewis stated that government has a responsibility toward vulnerable residents: “For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, effective government action ensures access to essential services, safe living conditions, health care, and opportunities for meaningful participation in community life. When legislators work diligently on behalf of the IDD community, they uphold the core purpose of government: to promote dignity, equity, and well-being for all, especially the most vulnerable.”
He also organizes an annual Disabilities Resource and Job Placement Fair bringing together organizations focused on IDD needs along with hiring businesses. This year’s fair is scheduled for August 20 in Carol Stream.
Responding to rising domestic violence-related deaths in Illinois—137 reported by Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence in 2024—Lewis is supporting a legislative package intended to protect victims by strengthening enforcement around protective orders. The bills propose stricter requirements before suspects can be released pretrial; increased penalties for violating orders; minimum holding times for repeat offenders; and consideration of prior convictions across various protective orders.
“This collection of bills will protect victims, hold abusers accountable, and provide law enforcement and courts with tools needed to intervene before a tragedy or fatality occurs,” said Lewis.
Additionally, Lewis convened fire chiefs from his district for discussions with state emergency management officials about concerns over federal funding cuts affecting mutual aid programs like MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm Systems), which provides statewide coordinated emergency response resources.
DuPage County Stormwater Management is now accepting applications through March 9 for its new Cost-Share Drainage Assistance Program. The program aims to assist unincorporated property owners dealing with nuisance flooding issues not covered under traditional assistance programs. Up to $50,000 may be awarded annually ($5,000 per project), pending application approval. More information can be found at https://www.dupagecounty.gov/government/departments/stormwater_management/cost-share_drainage_assistance_program.php.
Lewis’s office continues offering paid internships this summer for high school or college students interested in legislative operations or public service careers.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has extended its Electric Vehicle Rebate Program application window through May 31, 2026. Changes include updated income eligibility criteria as well as new purchase price limits ($80,000 or less). Rebates range up to $4,000 depending on applicant status; only vehicles bought from an Illinois-licensed dealer qualify.
Residents interested in sharing opinions about proposed legislation are encouraged by Lewis to submit witness slips when bills reach committee hearings—a process he describes as important input lawmakers review before advancing measures.