Seth Lewis, Illinois State Senator for 24th District | Illinois General Assembly
Seth Lewis, Illinois State Senator for 24th District | Illinois General Assembly
State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) has been appointed to the School Mandate Reduction Council, a new bipartisan group focused on reviewing and reducing state mandates imposed on Illinois schools. The council aims to ease financial pressures on local taxpayers and school districts by streamlining or eliminating unfunded requirements.
Senator Lewis emphasized the importance of evaluating mandates to ensure they benefit students and do not unnecessarily burden schools. “I’ve always believed that well-intended doesn’t always mean well-executed,” said Lewis. “When the state issues mandates without providing funding, it places an unfair strain on local districts and taxpayers. I’m committed to reviewing every requirement with a simple test: Does it improve the quality of education or keep our students safe? If not, it’s time to rethink it.”
The School Mandate Reduction Council is composed of eight legislators appointed by General Assembly leaders and 21 education stakeholders selected by the State Superintendent. These stakeholders represent teachers, administrators, principals, school boards, special education professionals, and school districts from various regions in Illinois.
The council’s main task is to identify mandates that are outdated, redundant, or burdensome and recommend changes that do not compromise educational quality or student safety. Members will serve without pay and are required to meet at least four times between October 1, 2025, and September 1, 2026. Their findings must be reported to the General Assembly by October 1, 2026.
“This is about smart reform,” Lewis added. “We can support teachers, protect students, and respect taxpayers all at the same time. I’m honored to be part of a council that’s working toward a more efficient and effective education system for Illinois and property tax relief for taxpayers.”
Lewis was elected as a Republican senator in 2023 for Illinois’ 24th Senate District, succeeding Suzy Glowiak (https://www.ilga.gov/senate/Senator.asp?GA=103&MemberID=3222).
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