Dupage Policy Journal

Nov 3 2023

Fall Veto Session gets underway in Springfield

State lawmakers were back in Springfield the last week of October for the first three days of the annual fall Veto Session. During the 2023 spring session, more than 550 bills were passed through both chambers of the General Assembly and sent to the Governor for final action. Gov. JB Pritzker signed all but six into law. Of the six bills, three received total vetoes, and an additional three received partial, or amendatory, vetoes.

"There was little action on vetoed bills during the first week of veto session; however, the Illinois Senate took the opportunity to take up other measures that are now on their way to the House of Representatives for consideration," said Senator Lewis.

Senate Republicans still collecting submissions for Veterans Wall of Honor

To show appreciation for veterans’ sacrifices and service, the Senate Republican Caucus is once again showcasing veterans’ legacy of service on a “Wall of Honor” that will be on display in the Capitol rotunda Nov. 7-20.

"With Veterans Day coming up on Nov. 11, it’s a perfect opportunity to share amazing stories of our heroes with those who visit the State Capitol," said Senator Lewis.

Applications for Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Rebate Program now underway

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has just launched an incentive program for the purchase of electric vehicles with cash.

As of November 1st, state residents can earn up to a $4,000 rebate for the purchase of an all-electric vehicle or a $1,500 rebate for the purchase of an all-electric motorcycle.

"Applicants must apply for the rebate within 90 days of a vehicle’s purchase. The application period runs through January 31, 2024, or until funding runs out," explained Senator Lewis.

RTA now offering Access to Transit funds

The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is now offering assistance for improving municipal areas around transit stations and stops. The Access to Transit program helps communities improve the infrastructure around their transit stations and stops, making connections for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders safer, more accessible, and more attractive.

"Since 2012, Access to Transit has funded 46 projects around the Chicago region for more than $25.5 million in total investment. The application portal for 2023 is now open, and applications will be accepted through December 15," said Senator Lewis.

Senator Lewis & Rep. Sanalitro host successful drug drop-off event in Roselle

October 28 was National Prescription Drug Takeback Day, and State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro and Senator Lewis partnered with the Roselle Police Department for a very successful drug drop-off event at the Roselle Police Station.

"By properly disposing of unused and expired medications, people are preventing accidental poisonings and the misuse of drugs. It also keeps unused or expired drugs out of the water supply," emphasized Senator Lewis.

ISP announces three dates and locations for “Assault Weapons Ban” gun registration process

A new Illinois law, which bans a long list of firearms, magazines, and other devices, will be the subject of public hearings hosted by the Illinois State Police (ISP).

"These hearings are in response to the registration process outlined in the new law, which requires individuals who possessed one or more of these now-banned firearms prior to the Act taking effect on Jan. 19, 2023, to submit an endorsement affidavit through their Firearm Owner’s Identification Card account in order to legally maintain possession," explained Senator Lewis.

In an effort to clear up confusion and concerns about the registration process, the ISP is holding three public hearings across the state. The hearings are open to the public but can also be heard via WebEx. Persons wishing to speak at a public hearing must do so in person and must submit a completed witness slip. The dates and locations for the hearings are as follows:

Thursday, November 2, 2023, 9:30 a.m., Room D1 of the Stratton Building, 401 Spring Street, Springfield

Friday, November 3, 2023, 9:30 a.m., Room C-600 of the Bilandic Building, 160 N. La Salle Street

Monday, November 6, 2023, 9:30 a.m., Caseyville Community Center at Village Hall, 909 South Main Street, Caseyville

Illinois benefits from federal grant for regional clean hydrogen hub

Illinois is set to benefit from the recent announcement that the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen’s (MachH2) bid to create a regional hydrogen hub has been awarded a billion-dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

"The MachH2’s Midwest Hydrogen Hub will be located throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, and will be utilized for decarbonization purposes through strategic hydrogen uses including steel and glass production, power generation, refining, heavy-duty transportation, and sustainable aviation fuel. The Midwest Hydrogen Hub plans to produce hydrogen by leveraging the region’s diverse energy sources, including low-cost nuclear, natural gas, and renewable energy," said Senator Lewis.

The hub is also expected to create more than 12,000 good-paying jobs throughout its construction and roughly 1,500 permanent skilled jobs.

"The Midwest Hydrogen Hub is one of seven regional clean hydrogen hubs that were selected to receive a total of $7 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to accelerate the domestic market for low-cost, clean hydrogen," added Senator Lewis.

Please reach out to Senator Lewis' legislative office for any further information or inquiries.

To learn more, click on this link: https://senatorlewis.com/senator-lewis-legislative-update-4/