Dupage Policy Journal

Senator Lewis earns an “A” on Illinois Environmental Council Legislative Scorecard

The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) released its 2024 Legislative Environmental Scorecard last week, announcing that Senator Lewis earned an "A". The annual scorecard assigns legislators a percentage score based on their votes on bills affecting the environment. The 2024 edition includes 31 legislative measures.

"It is an honor to be recognized by the IEC for my work in Springfield that benefits the environment, and I will continue to work collaboratively with legislators from both sides of the aisle to ensure environmental issues are addressed," said Senator Lewis.

IEC Executive Director Jen Walling stated, "We are pleased to honor Senator Lewis’s strong environmental voting record in IEC’s annual scorecard. Senator Lewis has been a great partner in the legislature and consistently prioritizes his constituents’ health and our environment. We are eager to continue working with him on critical legislation that protects Illinois’ air, water, and the health of our communities."

Senator Lewis takes leading role in pushing back against Chicago’s billion-dollar requests

In recent months, Senator Lewis has actively opposed multiple billion-dollar funding requests from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Toward the end of the spring legislative session in May, he stood with Senate colleagues against a $1 billion funding request for Chicago Public Schools (CPS), advocating instead for the Evidence-Based School Funding Formula (EBSFF).

"The EBSFF classifies schools into four tiers based on need for state funding," said Senator Lewis. "CPS is a tier two district, while over 300 districts rank as tier one. CPS cannot jump ahead at the expense of other schools."

Additionally, discussions about public mass transit in Chicagoland have revealed that the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) seeks over $1 billion to manage debt and its pension system. The CTA carries about $5 billion in debt and has a pension system funded at just 60%.

Mayor Johnson has also requested at least $1 billion for a new Chicago Bears stadium and faces a $1 billion budget shortfall for the City of Chicago.

"These bailouts would come at the expense of other Illinois taxpayers," said Senator Lewis. "It’s time that Chicago starts living within its means."

Lewis advocates for suburban transit riders as changes are proposed to regional transit system

As a member of the Senate Transportation Committee, Senator Lewis attended hearings across the regional public transportation service area this summer. He expressed concerns about proposed changes that could consolidate several transit agencies into one entity overseen by an 18-member board.

"There is concern among suburban officials that suburbs will face sales tax increases while experiencing diluted voting power on a newly configured board," said Senator Lewis.

The current proposal suggests appointing five members each by Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, one member from each collar county, and three members appointed by Governor JB Pritzker.

"My lines of questioning seek to ensure any changes do not diminish service levels or lessen suburban communities' voices," added Senator Lewis.

Lewis outreach events continue into fall

Senator Lewis's summer outreach events included Senior Expos, Kids Fairs, Job Fairs, Mobile DMV events, document shredding events, and unclaimed property events across the 24th District. Outreach activities will continue into fall with additional events tailored to various population segments.

Pesticide notification legislation signed into law

Legislation supported by Senator Lewis now requires government entities to notify residents when spraying pesticides near homes. Senate Bill 3342 mandates public notice before applying pesticides on public rights-of-way within municipal borders but excludes farmers and private individuals spraying their own property.

Close to $700,000 coming to 24th Senate District libraries

Several libraries in the 24th Senate District will receive a combined $693,371.76 in state library grants this year. These grants include annual per capita aid funding and technology grants aimed at upgrading infrastructure.

New law provides flexible daycare scheduling options to working families

Senate Bill 3207 authorizes daycare centers to operate 24 hours daily and allows care for children up to 12 hours if parents work scheduled shifts. This bill aims to provide essential flexibility for shift workers' childcare needs.

Lewis celebrates summer reading with program participants

Senator Lewis hosted a Literary Learning program over summer challenging students entering first through sixth grades to read eight books. Participants celebrated their achievements with an ice cream social event recently held.

Senator Lewis visits United Cerebral Palsy Seguin of Greater Chicago home in Wheaton

Recently visiting UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago's home in Wheaton, Senator Lewis toured facilities supporting individuals with disabilities and discussed advocacy efforts for direct support professionals' increased pay.