Senate Transportation Committee Concludes Sessions on Public Transit Systems Reforms
As a member of Senate Transportation Committee, I attended several meetings over the past few months to discuss Illinois’ public transit systems— its financial challenges, and how service and governance can be improved in the future.
Here in the suburbs, public transportation is a vital need for those who use Metra to get to and from work or rely on the PACE bus system. As discussions continue into proposed public transit reforms, I am particularly focused on ensuring that any changes to the system do not dilute suburban voices on the governing board and do not require suburban taxpayers to fund the brunt of a bailout for the Chicago Transit System, which is currently operating with a $5 billion deficit.
It has been widely reported that the Illinois transit systems are facing a $730 million fiscal cliff in 2026. There is a proposal on the table to consolidate the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and PACE into one entity overseen by one 18-member board.
I continue to push back against the board reorganization as currently proposed. The new transit board would be comprised of voting membership as follows:
- 5 members appointed by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson
- 5 members appointed by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle
- 1 member from each of the collar counties (total of 5)
- 3 members appointed by Governor JB Pritzker
As you can see, this make-up of appointed positions hands simple majority voting power to Chicago and Cook County and would allow them to make decisions that benefit Chicagoans at the expense of riders in the suburbs. There is an obvious need for continued discussion and negotiation regarding what form the new structure will take in order to maintain legitimate and fair representation from all six counties in the service region. The collar counties provide more than 40% of the revenue that is used to fund the RTA, and the ultimate reconfiguration must treat Chicago, Cook County, and suburban riders equally.
Senator Lewis Pushes Back Against Flawed “Push Poll”
As our transportation system reform discussions continue, last week a group of lawmakers and advocates from Chicago and Cook County held a press conference to garner support for efforts to consolidate the transit boards. During the conference they revealed poll results that suggest that voters across the state heavily favor the consolidation of the transit boards. It is my opinion that this was a “push poll” created to deliver a predetermined outcome. In my opinion, critical supporting details were not included when gauging support of the consolidation.
For example, individuals were asked if they supported “unifying the CTA, Metra, Pace and RTA into one organization to improve service, safety and frequency of trains and buses thus attracting more riders”. Without context this is an easy concept to support. But important background data was missing, such as
- Would the make-up of the new governing board dilute suburban representation into policy and financial decisions?
- Does the consolidation and reform plan require tax or fee increases for Chicago, Cook, or suburban riders?
- If consolidation occurs, would suburban riders become burdened with subsidizing the Chicago Transit Authority’s $5 billion deficit?
Equally unsettling is the fact that these questions were not asked of poll participants:
- If you are a suburban rider, do you support giving majority control of transit decision-making for the entire six-county region to Cook County and the City of Chicago?
- If you are a suburban rider, do you support tax or fee increases to help address the Chicago Transit Authority’s $5 billion deficit?
This issue will be a primary topic of discussion when the legislature reconvenes in January, and I will continue to provide updates.
Senator Lewis Celebrates Diwali at Carol Stream Temple
Over the weekend I was able to celebrate Dewali at the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Temple in Carol Stream.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a magnificent celebration that symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It is the most widely celebrated festival in India, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and communities.
Spanning five days, Diwali is a time of joy and unity. Families prepare weeks in advance, decorating their homes with vibrant rangoli designs, crafting delicious sweets, and lighting divos to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of wealth and prosperity. On the eve of Diwali, devotees illuminate their homes with lights and candles, symbolically inviting divine wisdom and dispelling ignorance.
The festival begins with Dhan Teras, a day dedicated to prayers for prosperity and success in careers. This is followed by Sharda Pujan, where families purify their accounting ledgers and academic books, ensuring spiritual and financial clarity.
BAPS mandirs around the world host grand celebrations, drawing thousands of families who come together to honor this sacred occasion. The festivities are filled with delectable vegetarian cuisine, cultural programs, and traditional entertainment. Special activities are organized for children and youth, ensuring that the true spiritual essence of Diwali is preserved and passed on to future generations.
As fireworks light up the night sky, the joyous atmosphere of Diwali serves as a reminder of hope, renewal, and the shared values that connect us all.
Recognizing Illinois’ Veterans
As Veterans Day approaches, I wanted to share with you two special ways you can honor and remember loved ones who served in the U.S. military. You are invited to participate in one or both of these upcoming tributes.
Senate Republicans Honor Veterans with Wall of Honor
To pay tribute to veterans and honor their legacies and sacrifices, I am encouraging constituents to submit a photo and story of their loved one who served our nation so it can be displayed in the rotunda of the Illinois Capitol from November 11 to 25 in honor of Veterans Day.
The tribute honors the brave men and women who have served their country, preserving their stories and sacrifices for future generations. Families are asked to submit a photo and written story (max: 250 words) along with the following information: name, military branch (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, Navy) and conflict served (Afghanistan, Iraq, September 11, Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, WWI, Peacetime, other). Military photos are preferred but not necessary.
Submissions should be emailed to veteransday@sgop.ilga.gov by November 8 to be included in the Veterans Day Display at the Illinois State Capitol. Submissions can also be mailed to Veterans Day Wall, 110 D Statehouse, Springfield, IL 62706. For questions, please call (217) 782-1154.
Daily Herald Veterans Photo Gallery
The Daily Herald newspaper is inviting Illinoisans to submit photos for a special Veterans Photo Gallery to showcase the service and sacrifice of family members and friends who bravely served in the armed forces.
How to Submit:
- Share a Veteran’s Photo – Upload a photo of the veteran you’d like to honor in our gallery.
- Click “Enter Your Own” – Use the button on our gallery page to submit a photo.
- Complete the Registration Form – Provide the service details of the veteran, including their name, branch, rank, and any special story you’d like to share.
Submissions are open until November 10, so don’t miss this chance to celebrate the heroes who have served our country. Click here to learn more.
Lewis Concludes 2024 Outreach Events with Successful October Events
This year I held about two dozen constituent outreach events across the 24th Senate District. The last events of the year included three traveling office hours events, an electronics recycling event, and an IPASS on Demand event where motorists could work with a mobile team from the Illinois Tollway to switch over to the new IPASS sticker technology without interruption to their IPASS service or account.
We are already working on a robust list of outreach events for 2025 and will choose events that assist all age ranges of people living in the area. Thank you to the agencies that were such good partners this year and thank you to my team for putting on incredibly successful events this year.
IDFPR Warns of Increased Scams Targeting Students
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is making families with children who are currently attending or have attended college aware of an uptick in scams targeting those who have taken on student loans.
Due to recent challenges to federal relief programs, scammers have taken this opportunity to attempt to scam students by promising lower rates, loan forgiveness, and requests to sign over power-of-attorney. Most often, there will be a request for immediate action, which is a red flag. Students should also be wary of claims that the servicer has ties to the government.
Scammers commonly communicate through the use of telephone calls, text, email, or physical mail.
Those who believe they may have been a target of a student loan scam should immediately contact the Illinois Attorney General’s Student Loan Hotline by calling 1-800-455-2456. The Attorney General’s website can also be a valuable resource to file a complaint for those who believe they have been targeted.