Senator Seth Lewis outlines legislative efforts and community initiatives in Capitol report
Illinois State Senator Seth Lewis announced on Mar. 10 a series of legislative updates, community events, and policy priorities in his latest Capitol Report. The report covers topics ranging from youth employment opportunities to energy affordability, homeownership relief, child welfare reforms, workforce development for engineers, school safety measures, and support for small businesses.
The update is significant as it highlights ongoing efforts to address pressing issues such as rising energy costs, housing affordability challenges, gaps in child protection systems, and workforce shortages. These matters affect families and communities across Illinois’ 24th Senate District.
Lewis said he recently spoke at the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Illinois conference in Springfield to recognize their volunteer service. He also invited students aged 16-21 to attend a free Youth Job Fair on March 18 in Bloomingdale Park District. The event will feature local employers hiring for summer jobs and internships, resume reviews by professionals, free headshots, and a skills workshop hosted by WorkNet DuPage.
On the legislative front, Lewis reported joining a bipartisan group of lawmakers to introduce bills aimed at safeguarding energy reliability and affordability as Illinois transitions toward electrification. "Illinois is already facing rising energy costs and growing concerns about grid stability," he said. The package includes Senate Bill 3970—introduced by Lewis—which requires studies on customer bill impacts before large-scale gas transition projects are approved. Other bills would extend power plant closure dates set by previous legislation and modernize interconnection rules.
Addressing housing concerns, Lewis said he is co-sponsoring several bills designed to make home buying more affordable. Measures include tax credits for first-time buyers and tying property tax exemptions to inflation rates. He cited data showing that first-time homebuyers now represent only 21 percent of purchases while average home prices have risen sharply over five years.
Lewis also discussed recent efforts with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) following the death of an eight-year-old boy due to system failures. After meeting with DCFS Director Heidi Mueller, Lewis said he gained confidence in new strategies being implemented: "Statewide data show that homicide deaths of youth in care have reduced by nearly 50% since Mueller took over as Director of DCFS." He added that more children are being matched with permanent homes than ever before under current leadership.
Other initiatives highlighted include legislation supporting scholarships for engineering students who commit to working for the Illinois Department of Transportation after graduation—a move intended to address workforce gaps—and a bill requiring mandatory expulsion for students committing sexual assault at school-related activities.
Lewis concluded his report by noting support for a new tax credit helping small businesses offer Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) to employees: "While HRAs may not be the right fit for every business, expanding access to benefit options is critical for job creators facing rising costs."
Lewis was elected as a Republican state senator representing Illinois’ 24th Senate District in 2023 after succeeding Suzy Glowiak according to official records.