Dupage Policy Journal

The residents of the 24th District sent me to Springfield to find bipartisan solutions to the state’s most pressing problems and to make Illinois a place where people want to live, rather than leave. I have worked very hard to form and nurture relationships with both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, and as a result, I enjoyed many legislative successes this year.

I am pleased to report that several bipartisan bills are making their way to the Governor for his signature. However, there are also bills awaiting final action that continue the State’s unsustainable spending habits and reflect misplaced priorities.

During the summer months, I will be traveling throughout the 24th District, addressing the needs and concerns of residents, and engaging with business owners and community groups. It is always an honor and pleasure to serve you. Should you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to my district office at (630) 349-0645 or email me through the contact form on SenatorLewis.com.

Sincerely,

Seth Lewis State Senator, District 24

Senator Seth Lewis Appointed to Senate Republicans’ Budget Negotiation Team

As discussions got underway for the creation of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, Senator Seth Lewis was appointed by Senate Minority Leader John Curran to serve on the Senate Republicans’ Budget Negotiation Team.

Upon learning of the appointment, Lewis said, “It is a privilege to serve in this capacity and I look forward to having a seat at the table as we discuss spending priorities for the next fiscal year. I know there is much on which we can agree if we respect one another’s opinions, truly listen to each other, and keep an eye on moving Illinois forward on a path that benefits all who live and work here.”

Republicans and Democrats met several times for respectful exchanges of ideas but unfortunately in the final weeks of session Democrats built a budget that excluded most of Republicans’ priorities.

Majority Party Raises Taxes by $1 Billion in FY 2025 Budget

In May, the majority party in Springfield pushed through a $53 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2025 which includes approximately $1 billion in new taxes.

In response to the budget’s passage, Senator Seth Lewis said, “As lawmakers we have a duty to create a budget that acknowledges financial realities faced by residents of our state. It is crucial that people we represent receive a transparent straightforward budget free from gimmicks setting clear honest path forward. Every Illinoisan deserves equal opportunity prosperity regrettably this misses mark providing framework necessary sustainable progress toward objective.”

Lewis spoke in opposition highlighting vulnerable citizen groups agencies left behind when debated Senate floor comments available online.

Republicans Successful Removing Income Tax Hike from FY 2025 Budget

While Senate Republicans disappointed aspects new secured significant victory taxpayers represent reliance income taxes finance expenditures growing particularly other revenue streams such federal COVID funds diminish Governor sought alter individual personal exemption effectively subjecting more incomes State's rate successful getting removed final package.

“Republicans pushed hard remove consideration,” said Senator Seth Lewis pleased Democratic Caucus agreed advance measure continue watching proposal likely reappear next year's talks.”

Lewis Seeks Strengthen Penalties Fleeing Eluding Domestic Abusers

Amid concerning rise incidents suspects fleeing law enforcement endangering motorists responded co-sponsoring legislation aimed holding accountable tougher penalties flee elude authorities currently categorized only Class A misdemeanor elevated felony sending clear message offenders face consequences actions additionally co-sponsored shift presumption domestic violence cases bodily injury detainment vital measure underscores commitment holding violent safeguarding victims primarily women children further harm potential retaliation.

Senator Lewis Designates Portion Route Memorial Highway

Honored U.S Army Staff Sergeant Robert J Miller presenting House Joint Resolution names section Wheaton fallen soldier's honor specifically between County Farm Winfield known “U.S Army SSG Robert J Miller Memorial Highway” presentation resolution online graduate Wheaton North High School volunteered military service enlisted Special Forces candidate graduating earning coveted Green Beret served Operation Enduring Freedom awarded Commendation Medal Valor courage face enemy Good Conduct Afghanistan Campaign Global War Terrorism Service Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons NATO Parachutist Badge Ranger Tab Special Forces inducted Laureate Lincoln Academy awarded Order Lincoln highest honor extraordinary valor saved lives seven members team Afghanistan National soldiers Congressional Medal Honor heroism selflessness legislation Provide Stability Abused Children Heads Important ensures taken Department Children Family Services DCFS custody don’t change schools key supporter Currently often end new home outside district ensures all removed stay same agency determines best interest includes situations moving elementary middle high within provides measure stability familiarity desperately need supports Flexible Daycare Scheduling Options families struggle make ends meet high inflation economic proud vote favor support working greater flexibility scheduling childcare centers operate presenting significant problem shift workers overnight early morning hours cleared would create system different employed position requiring regularly scheduled shifts authorize operate provide up parents employed requiring visits bill cleared chambers General Assembly sent Governor receives National Safety Council Advocacy Safety Award received award recognizes impact individuals communities appreciation collaborative efforts improve workplace roadway goals distinct recognized improving ensuring roadways workplace priority tenure vocal advocate efforts resolutions outcomes people road work Bipartisan Bill Creating Official State Mushroom widespread bipartisan support received chambers sponsored designate official desk Through Calvatia Gigantea Giant Puffball officially designated idea brought Prairie School DuPage private offers environmentally focused education pre-K visited students last fall expressed interest explained collected qualitative quantitative data surveyed large groups narrowed field finalists election process ultimately consensus should symbol impressed depth research carry behalf heard Government Committee early March joined presentation teacher offering testimony unanimous recommended approval valuable learning experience many different ways addition native hands-on civics lesson government process importantly young age change-makers secures Stoplight Improvement top priorities addressing public safety concern Roosevelt Road approval allocation earmarked installation crosswalk recent years stretch just east location three fatalities dozen injuries involving pedestrians attempting cross dangerous near Marian Park Apartments St Francis High School across street retail shopping establishments student parking agreed tremendous project segments greater too many pedestrian-vehicle needed decisive ensure safe passage across stretch addition leaders priority members DuPage United citizens group pleasure key stakeholders vital community improvement now allocation public-private partnership place work begin right away important infrastructure improvement Curb Predatory Practices Veterans supported bipartisan safeguards veterans predatory so-called claim sharks exploit seeking benefits rightly deserve enhances Consumer Fraud Deceptive Business Practices Act imposing requirements companies entities offer paid services applying Through must provide verbal written disclosure statements outset engagement clarifies endorsed sponsored Departments nor VA-accredited veteran organization informed services paying free disclosure requirements included put bad actors happy protect predators

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