Just a Few Days Remaining in Valentines for Seniors Program
The February 7 deadline for participation in my 3rd annual “Valentines for Seniors” card drive is quickly approaching. We have received some really cute cards and drawings, but we need more submissions if we are to match last year’s numbers. Won’t you help put a smile on the face of a local senior?
Cards and drawings can be mailed to or dropped off at my district office in Carol Stream between now and February 7. My office staff and I will personally deliver the cards and drawings on your behalf the week of Valentines Day.
Valentines can be dropped off at:
Senator Seth Lewis
962 West Army Trail Road
Carol Stream, IL
If sending cards by mail, please mail them to:
Senator Seth Lewis
PO Box 8547
Bartlett, IL 60103-8547
If you have any questions about this program please contact Abby at amccarthy@sgop.ilga.gov.
Lewis Files Comprehensive Legislative Agenda for 2025
As the bill filing deadline approaches in Springfield for the 2025 session year, I am pleased to announce that I have filed a comprehensive set of bills that aim to help the people of the 24th District and the State of Illinois. As of this writing, I have filed the following bills as the Chief Senate Sponsor:
Senate Bill 54: Improves County Clerk processes for counting vote-by-mail ballots by putting a prescribed timeline in place for the release of vote updates during the two weeks following an election when vote-by-mail ballots can still be received and counted.
Senate Bill 233: Addresses the fentanyl crisis by strengthening penalties for those found with between 15 grams and 100 grams of fentanyl; makes the possession a Class I Felony with mandatory prison time.
Senate Bill 234: Increases protections for victims of domestic violence and other crimes by making violations of orders of protection a Class IV Felony when the offender has a past history of violating orders of protection or no contact/no stalking orders.
Senate Bill 235: Improves safety for special investigators hired by a State’s Attorneys by expanding the instances when they can legally carry a firearm while investigating.
Senate Bill 236: Provides minor changes that update the wording of the Illinois criminal code.
Senate Bill 1270: Requires members serving on local government and school district boards, where there is no prescribed term limit for leaders of the boards, to take official action on whether or not term limits will be prescribed.
Senate Bill 1271: Provides tax breaks for businesses that choose to stay in Illinois through a legacy tax credit.
I have also filed a few resolutions to bring attention to various issues and occasions, including:
Senate Resolution 12: Declares the week of February 1-8 as Court Reporting and Captioning Week in the State of Illinois.
Senate Resolution 13: Declares the month of October 2025 as Hindu American Heritage Month in the State of Illinois.
Senate Resolution 26: Declares April 2025 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month in the State of Illinois and urges the citizens and businesses to observe Distracted Driving Awareness Month by practicing safe driving behaviors and pledging to drive distraction-free.
Senate Resolution 42: Declares the week of March 24-30 as Civilian Law Enforcement Personnel Week in the State of Illinois.
As session moves forward, I will sign on as a chief co-sponsor or co-sponsor of several other pieces of legislation. I have already signed on as a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 91, a bipartisan initiative that seeks to address discriminatory practices against older drivers and bring Illinois’ driving laws in line with other states. Through SB 91:
- Drivers aged 79 and 80 would still be required to visit a DMV facility if they need to renew their driver’s license and take a vision test (and a written test if they have a driving violation on their record) but would not have to take a behind-the-wheel test.
- Drivers between the ages of 81-86 would still be required to visit a DMV facility to renew their license every two years and would have to take a vision test (and a written test if they have a driving violation on their record) but would not have to take a behind-the-wheel test.
- Drivers aged 87 and older would continue to be required to renew their licenses annually. These renewals would include a vision test and a behind-the-wheel driving test. A written driving test may also be required depending on the individual’s driving record.
Senator Lewis Speaks in Support of Businesses on Final Day of 2025 Lame Duck Session
I have always advocated for public policies that make Illinois a place where people want to live rather than leave. Similarly, when I see legislation that makes Illinois less competitive, I speak out.
This was the case during the early January Lame Duck Session of the Legislature, when I spoke out against House Bill 2547, a bill that sought to protect workers, but in fact, was so wide in scope that it would negatively affect over 750,000 smaller businesses in this state.
Click here to watch my floor comments.
We need to protect our existing workforce without enacting policies that make businesses and job creators say “no thanks” to Illinois.
Constituent Casework Tab Added to Lewis Website
I have a highly trained staff that is available to help constituents navigate state agencies and departments and can often help cut through some of the red tape. They can assist with a variety of issues, including unemployment claims, senior services, state funding opportunities, state licensing, aid agency referrals, internships, commemorations and recognitions, Medicaid issues, and FOID/Concealed Carry delays.
To enhance the constituent services process, I have now added a “Constituent Casework” tab to the top of my website (SenatorLewis.com). When visiting this section of my website, you can fill out a form to get the process started, and if your request requires my office to collect data from another agency, a second form that serves as a release to give my staff permission to gather necessary information from a state agency or department. It’s just one more way we are streamlining services to help those living in the 24th District!
You can access the Constituent Casework tab here.
Senator Lewis Congratulates Local Park District Officials for State Recognitions
I recently had the opportunity to attend the Illinois Association of Park Districts’ annual convention in Chicago.
At this year’s event, Mike Benard, Executive Director of the Wheaton Park District was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Frank Saverino Jr., Commissioner with the Bloomingdale Park District was honored with the Rising Star Award. Congratulations to both of these amazing leaders who help make the 24th District a beautiful place to live, work, and play!