Happy Holidays!
As we approach the end of 2024, I want to take a moment to wish you and your family a very happy holiday season. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve as your State Senator for the 24th District.
I hope this special season brings you time to enjoy the company of family and friends, and to reflect on the true meaning of this blessed time of year. It remains the privilege of a lifetime to serve you, and please know that my office is always here to serve you. If there’s anything my staff or I can assist you with, do not hesitate to reach out to my office at (630) 349-0645 or through the “Contact” form on my website (SenatorLewis.com).
Happy holidays!
Senator Lewis Recognized for Advocacy for IDD Community
While in Springfield for the fall veto session, I was honored to receive official recognition from Josh Evans, President and CEO of the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, for my advocacy on behalf of the Intellectually and Developmentally disabled (IDD) community in Illinois.
During the second week of the fall session, a “Dignity in Pay” bill advanced. The bill prohibits employers from paying workers with developmental and intellectual disabilities less than minimum wage for their work. Currently, employers can claim an exemption that allows them to pay disabled workers less than minimum wage.
This is emotional legislation with good arguments made on both sides of the issue. The primary goal is to raise the pay for IDD workers so they can have the dignity and respect they deserve while also not diminishing employment opportunities for this classification of worker.
The effective date for this new law is five years out, and that is by design. It provides ample time to put protective measures in place to ensure the legislative intent of the law is realized. With its passage, Illinois becomes the 19th state to ban sub-minimum wage for disabled workers.
Higher Heating Bills Expected for Illinois This Winter
Severe cold weather has arrived and Illinois residents should prepare for higher heating bills compared to last year. The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) annual winter energy outlook predicts rising natural gas and electricity costs, particularly in northern states and the Midwest.
Last winter’s record warmth kept energy costs relatively low. However, the EIA forecasts colder temperatures this year, driving up heating expenses. According to MoneyGeek, households in Illinois may see a $10 to $15 monthly increase in natural gas bills, depending on factors like home size and thermostat settings.
To help manage costs, residents can take steps such as sealing drafts, using programmable thermostats, and lowering the thermostat at night. Additionally, eligible households can apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps low-income families cover energy bills. Applications are currently open and those who believe they qualify for assistance can click here for more information.
Lewis Greets Addison Trail High School Students at Capitol
During veto session, it was great to meet and speak with AP US Government students from Addison Trail High School. They, along with teacher LeVonne Cescolini-Boyer, were in town visiting their State Capitol and other historic sites.
If you, your family, or a group with which you are involved plan to be in Springfield during session, please let my Capitol office know so I can be sure to meet with you and say hello. My Springfield legislative assistant can be reached at (217) 782-9463.
IDFPR Launches New Online Professional Licensing System
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) recently launched the Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment (CORE), a new online licensing system for IDFPR-licensed professionals.
This digital transition begins with three license types—clinical psychologists, nail technicians, and music therapists—who can now complete their entire application process online. CORE seeks to streamline and modernize licensing, moving away from paper applications and simplifying the review process for license applications received by IDFPR.
This launch is the first phase of a two-year rollout that will transition licensing for over 300 professional license types and manage records for more than 1.2 million professionals. More information about professional licensing in Illinois can be found on IDFPR’s website.
ISAC Offers Help With College and Financial Aid Applications
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is offering free college application and financial aid application completion workshops statewide.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) launches in December.
The FAFSA is the key to unlocking federal, state, and some institutional student financial aid to help pay for college, vocational school, or graduate school. The FAFSA is not just an application for student loans, but also for aid that students don’t have to pay back. That includes scholarships as well as federal grants such as the Pell Grant, and state grants like the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant, which is the state’s largest need-based grant program for low-income college students.
Students should complete the 2025-26 FAFSA as soon as possible. For information, click https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
SOS Promotes Distracted Driver Campaign
The Illinois Secretary of State’s (SOS) office has launched a new campaign, “One Road. One Focus,” aimed at raising awareness of the risks associated with distracted driving, especially among teen drivers.
A key component of the campaign is geared toward educating teen drivers about the consequences of distracted driving, requiring a new mandatory video that teens must watch during their learner’s permit phase. This educational video is part of an ongoing effort to instill safer driving habits early on, helping new drivers understand the serious impact their attention—or lack thereof— could have on Illinois roadways.
The Secretary of State’s office is also partnering with the Illinois State Police (ISP) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to introduce designated “Distracted Driver Corridors” across the state in areas prone to high crash rates. These safety corridors will include signage to remind drivers of the increased risks in these areas, encouraging greater caution.
For more information on the “One Road. One Focus” campaign or other safety initiatives to reduce distracted driving in Illinois, click here.
Illinois Workers Can Now Claim Unpaid Wages Through I-CASH
Illinois workers now have a new way to recover unpaid wages and penalties, thanks to a collaboration between the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office and the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL).
A recent change in state law allows IDOL to transfer unclaimed wages to the Treasurer’s Office after three years if workers cannot be located. These funds are added to the Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Trust Fund, enabling workers to search for their money on the I-CASH website.
Wage theft investigations conducted by IDOL often take time, during which workers may move or lose contact, complicating the distribution of recovered wages. Site-wide audits can also uncover back wages owed to workers who were unaware of underpayment. The new process addresses these challenges by extending the timeframe for workers to claim their money and providing additional resources.