Have Your Voice Heard: File a Witness Slip
Thousands of bills have been filed at the Capitol this year, so we are spending a lot of time in committees right now. Witness slips are a very useful tool that allows you to have your support or opposition added to any bill that is scheduled for a hearing. The witness slip portal opens when a bill is scheduled for a hearing and closes after the committee hearing.
Click here to view a simple tutorial for how it’s done, and my staff is happy to help you if you need assistance navigating the process.
If there is a bill for which you have strong feelings, please add your opinion to the official record!
Homeschool Families’ Annual Cherry Pie Day Set for Thursday in Springfield
I have always been a strong advocate for homeschool families in this state. This week, on Thursday, March 6, the Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE) will hold their 35th annual “Cherry Pie Day” at the Capitol. On this lobby day, hundreds of homeschool families from across the state travel to Springfield for a day of awareness to remind legislators that homeschooling continues to thrive in the State of Illinois. Those who attend are meeting at the State Capitol, 401 S. Second Street, Springfield, between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM to drop off pies that will be distributed to legislators later in the day.
If you plan to attend this year’s day of awareness, you can click here to register. You can also click here to learn more about 2025 Cherry Pie Day.
New Audit Exposes Pritzker’s Major Failures in Undocumented Immigrant Healthcare
A new report from the Auditor General has revealed significant mismanagement in Governor JB Pritzker’s taxpayer-funded healthcare program for migrants and illegal immigrants, including thousands of ineligible enrollees and costs that ended up being nearly three times higher than what the Governor said they would be.
Auditors found more than 6,000 enrollees listed as “undocumented” who actually had Social Security Numbers, raising concerns about the state’s failure to properly verify eligibility. The audit also uncovered massive cost overruns, with some age groups seeing expenditures nearly 300% higher than originally projected. The most extreme overrun occurred in the 42-54 age group, where costs nearly tripled the budgeted amount.
The audit’s findings have prompted renewed calls for legislative action to bring much-needed transparency so taxpayers can see where their money is going. Senate Bill 1699, for which I serve as a co-sponsor, would require detailed annual reports on all taxpayer-funded programs for migrants and illegal immigrants, including healthcare, housing, legal aid, and other services. These reports would provide transparency on expenditures, appropriations, recipients, and contracts, and would be made publicly available online.
Senator Lewis Welcomes Addison Trail High School Students to Springfield
It’s always great to see constituent groups from the 24th District in Springfield. Recently, it was my honor to welcome State Government students from Addison Trail High School to their State Capitol. We had a wonderful conversation about the role of State Government, how their voices can be heard, and how they can help to influence change in their communities, state, and nation.
If you are part of a group that will be visiting the State Capitol while the legislature is in session, please let my office know so I can be sure to say hello and meet with you. My Springfield office can be reached at (217) 782-9463.
Senate Republicans Push for Property Tax Relief for Struggling Homeowners
Despite it being a top concern for Illinoisans, during Governor Pritzker’s recent budget address there was no mention property tax relief. Senate Republicans continue their push for immediate property tax relief for Illinois homeowners, especially seniors and low-income families, who are struggling with rising property taxes.
Members of the Senate Republican caucus held a press conference on February 27th, highlighting some of their legislative proposals. This year we are championing Senate Bill 2086, which seeks to raise the income eligibility for the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption to $75,000 and ties future increases to inflation.
Additionally, Senate Republicans recently filed Senate Bill 2093, which would make the Illinois Property Tax Credit refundable, providing more financial relief to lower-income homeowners. Also introduced last week by our caucus was Senate Bill 2246, which limits how much the assessed value of a home can increase during reassessment years, capping it at the rate of inflation.
These legislative efforts aim to protect vulnerable homeowners and help families stay in their homes.
Illinois Taxpayers: Don’t Miss Out on Key Tax Credits for 2024!
The Illinois Department of Revenue is reminding eligible taxpayers to claim available tax credits when filing their 2024 income tax returns to reduce their tax liability or increase refunds.
I would encourage all Illinoisans to take advantage of the available tax credits when filing their 2024 returns. With many families facing financial challenges, these credits provide important relief by reducing tax burdens or increasing refunds.
Key Tax Credits for 2024:
- Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Available for low-to-moderate-income working individuals. To qualify, taxpayers must file a return and meet income and age requirements.
- Illinois Child Tax Credit (CTC): A new credit for 2024, worth 20% of the Illinois EITC, for taxpayers who qualify for EITC and have a child under 12. The credit will increase to 40% in 2025.
- Volunteer Emergency Worker Credit (VEW): Available for qualified volunteer emergency workers with a certificate from MyTax Illinois.
- Education Expense Credit: Offers a 25% credit on qualifying educational expenses over $250 for parents or guardians of full-time K-12 students.
- Illinois Property Tax Credit: A 5% credit for property taxes paid on a principal residence.
For more details, click here or call 1-800-732-8866.
Lewis Distributes Over 3,000 Valentines
I want to thank everyone who donated valentines for this year’s Valentines for Seniors program. This is truly one of my favorite outreach events of the year because the community really comes together to help spread joy to individuals in nursing homes and assisted living centers who are often lonely.
My staff and I made over a dozen stops throughout the 24th Senate District in DuPage and Suburban Cook Counties, and once again, the smiles on the seniors’ faces were priceless as we made sure they knew how valued and appreciated they are.
REAL ID Deadline of May 7 is Approaching
For a few years now, Illinoisans have been encouraged to get an updated driver’s license called a “REAL ID.” The REAL ID is a national initiative to improve security, and back during the COVID pandemic and in the months following, the deadline for compliance was extended multiple times.
The new deadline- one that appears to be sticking- is May 7, 2025, a little over two months from now. I would encourage you NOT to wait until close to the deadline, and to get your new ID as soon as you can. Demand for REAL ID services will be intense as May 7 approaches.
Not everyone needs a REAL ID, but people who travel by airplane might want one. As of May 7 of this year, a traditional state-issued driver’s license will no longer be accepted as a valid form of ID for domestic flights. Only those with a valid passport can get on a domestic flight without a REAL ID. A REAL ID will also be required after May 7 to enter certain federal facilities, like federal courthouses and military bases.
You will not need a REAL ID to drive a car.
In response to an expected increase in DMV visits for those wanting a REAL ID, drivers services facilities in several communities will offer Saturday hours from now until May 10. The extra time slots are ONLY for REAL ID customers.
Expanded Saturday hours of 7:30 AM until 5:00 PM are available from now until May 10 in Elgin, Naperville, Schaumburg and Waukegan.
The Secretary of State’s website had a helpful checklist on what documents must be brought to the DMV with an applicant for a REAL ID. The rules are strict, and those without the required forms of ID will not be able to get their REAL ID. Click here to see that checklist.
DuPage County Offers Scholarships
DuPage County is offering college and occupational training scholarships for low-income individuals with high academic potential.
The Community Services Block Grant scholarship may be used for tuition, books, supplies, and other school-related items. This scholarship is funded and designed in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Applicants are required to provide proof of DuPage County residency, gross household income for the past 30 days, and information about members living in the household. Income for the household must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Applicants must also include a 500-word original essay or personal statement, official school transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a Financial Aid Audit (financial aid award letter), and proof of enrollment in an accredited Illinois institution.
The scholarship awards will vary based on financial need, minimum award will be $500, and special consideration is given to students interested in high-demand fields. Past winners have included:
- A first-generation college student from Addison majoring in Education at Aurora University
- A Glen Ellyn resident studying STEM at College of DuPage
- A Lombard mom returning to school to study Radiography at College of DuPage
Applications are available at the DuPage County Department of Community Services Office, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, or online at https://www.dupagecounty.gov/scholarship. Completed applications and support documents must be received by 4:30 p.m. May 2.
For more information, contact the DuPage County Department of Community Services at (630) 407-6500, or call the toll-free number at (800) 942-9412.
IDNR Announces Grants to Strengthen Rural Fire Departments
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants from NOW to April 14. These grants help rural fire departments organize, train, and equip their teams to better combat fires, particularly in areas at risk of wildfires.
Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the VFA program provides matching funds, covering up to 50% of project costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $10,000. Fire departments must make initial payments before receiving reimbursement.
In 2024, the program awarded $212,811 to support 30 Illinois projects, funding equipment like radios, hoses, protective gear, and chainsaws.
IDNR encourages all eligible fire departments to apply to strengthen their fire protection capabilities. Additional information about grant requirements and opportunities can be found on the IDNR grants website and the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance.