First Annual Disability Resource & Job Placement Expo a Tremendous Success
I am thrilled beyond measure by the success of the First Annual Disability Resource & Job Placement Expo I sponsored with State Representatives Jennifer Sanalitro and Amy Grant. This comprehensive event, tailored to the needs of the IDD community, was held on September 18 in Carol Stream and it exceeded all of our expectations.
More than 300 members of the IDD community, along with caregivers and family members, joined us at Fountainview Recreation Center for this first-of-its-kind event in this region sponsored by legislators. Over 60 organizations, non-profits, and agencies that focus on the unique need of the IDD community were all under one roof to offer guidance, information, and giveaways to visitors. Several groups were even able to assist visitors with job placement opportunities in their communities.
The event also featured three workshops to help our IDD friends with transit options and reduced fare opportunities, a disabled workers trainee program through Illinois’ Department of Central Management Services (CMS), and a session on computer technology for home, school and work for IDD community members.
Click Here to watch an event wrap-up video.
Senator Lewis, Representative Grant to Host Document Shredding and Food Drive Event
It’s time to pull together those old receipts, tax documents, and other sensitive items, because Representative Amy Grant and I are bringing a document shredding truck to Wheaton on Saturday, October 25. We will also be collecting non-perishable food items and toiletries that will be donated to a local food pantry.
Shred Truck & Food Drive
Saturday, October 25
10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Wheaton Park District’s Rice Pool Waterpark Lot
1777 South Blanchard Street, Wheaton
Participants are asked to follow traffic signs and remain in their vehicles. Shred truck staff will unload cars. Parking will be available for those who wish to see their documents fed into the shredder. While paper folders, staples and paper clips can be fed into the shredder, large binder clips, plastic file folders, and old floppy discs cannot be. Additionally, no electronics will be accepted for recycling or disposal.
Additionally, as you are gathering sensitive documents for free, safe and secure destruction, I hope you will look through your kitchen pantry and grab a few nonperishable items to donate.
For additional information on this event, please call my legislative office at (630) 349-0645 or email Abby at amccarthy@sgop.ilga.gov .
Submit Info for Veterans Day Wall of Honor Display by October 24
My Illinois Senate Republican colleagues and I are once again hosting our annual Veterans Day Wall of Honor display at the Statehouse, from October 28 to November 13. This project provides families across Illinois with an opportunity to pay tribute to their loved ones who courageously served our nation.
The memorial will feature a large electronic display of veterans and their stories, along with a wall where visitors can write notes of thanks to those who served.
I would encourage friends and families 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.
Please email submissions to veteransday@sgop.ilga.gov by October 24, 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 additional information, please call (217) 782-1154.
Senator Lewis Discusses Legislative Priorities with Sierra Club
I always enjoy conversations with different constituent groups because these meetings provide a wonderful platform for the respectful exchange of ideas. I recently had an opportunity to sit down with advocates from the Sierra Club to discuss their legislative priorities and ways we can work together to protect our environment and support our communities.
The Sierra Club is a national organization with a mission of exploring, enjoying, and protecting the earth, promoting the responsible use of our planet’s ecosystems and resources, and striving to restore the quality of the environment.
Thanks for the opportunity to listen and learn!
Lewis Attends Legislative Event for DuPage County Animal Services
Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Humane Society Legislative Discussion at DuPage County Animal Services (DCAS) and take a tour of their new facility. It was great to learn more about efforts to protect our furry friends in this region. I was particularly impressed with the “Fetch a Friend” program, a day-trip initiative that allows volunteers to take adoptable dogs on short adventures outside the shelter. This program helps to reduce kennel stress, provide enrichment and training opportunities, and increase a dog’s visibility to potential adopters by giving them a much-needed break in a park, at a coffee shop, or even on a couch.
DCAS works hand-in-hand with DuPage Animal Friends, a 100% volunteer organization. The group is committed to helping provide life-saving supplies, medical care, and program funding that fall beyond the scope of Animal Services’ limited operating budget.
Illinois Families and Educators Can Claim Back-to-School Tax Savings
As students return to classrooms across the state, Illinois families and educators have access to valuable tax credits to help offset the cost of education. These programs are designed to provide relief for both parents covering school expenses and teachers who often spend their own money on supplies.
Parents and guardians may qualify for the K-12 Education Expense Credit, which provides up to $750 per household. Families can claim 25 percent of eligible expenses above $250, including costs such as tuition, book rentals, and lab fees paid directly to a school. Home-school families may also qualify for certain expenses tied to an approved curriculum. Last year alone, nearly 200,000 families took advantage of this credit, saving an average of $324.
Educators may be eligible for the Instructional Materials and Supplies Credit, which helps reimburse the out-of-pocket costs of classroom needs. Full-time K-12 teachers, aides, counselors, and principals working at least 900 hours in the school year can claim up to $500 in credits. Married couples who are both educators and file jointly may receive up to $1,000. More than 81,000 Illinois educators used this credit in 2024, collectively saving over $35 million.
These tax credits are a practical way to help ease the financial burden of a new school year and encourages families and teachers to keep their receipts and file for the relief they deserve.
For more information, see IDOR Publication 112.
Bill Ensuring Care for Retired Police K9s Signed into Law
Legislation I supported this year that creates the Care for Retired Police Dogs Grant Program has been signed into law. The program is designed to support the veterinary needs of retired police K9s across Illinois.
House Bill 3140 establishes a grant that provides up to $1,500 each year to reimburse handlers or adoptive families for veterinary expenses. Eligible K9s must have served at least five years, or three years if they were injured while on duty.
The program is fully funded through sales of Illinois’ new K-9 Memorial License Plate, with no cost to taxpayers. To ensure sustainability, the initiative will only launch if a minimum of 2,000 license plate requests are received by January 2028.
This new law helps honor the service of police dogs while easing the financial burden on the families who care for them in retirement.
New Legislation Seeks to Provide Relief to Middle-Class Illinoisans Struggling with Soaring Utility Bills
In response to the recent spike in electricity rates throughout the entire state, newly filed Senate Republican legislation seeks to provide much-needed relief for Illinois families struggling with rising utility bills.
Senate Bill 2687, also known as the Home Utility Relief Act, creates a Home Utility Rebate Program through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The program would provide rebates to households with incomes between 100% and 500% of the federal poverty guidelines. These are families who often earn too much to qualify for traditional low-income assistance programs but are still burdened by rapidly rising energy costs.
The measure establishes a $500 million Home Utility Rebate Relief Fund to be used in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. After rebates are issued to qualifying households, any remaining funds may also be made available to certain first-time small business owners.
Families across the state are already struggling to keep up with the higher costs of living and are now being hit with soaring electricity bills. Working and middle-class families often find themselves with no access to programs to help offset spiraling energy prices.
LIHEAP Application Portal Open
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides one-time benefits to income-eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service. The portal for this winter opened on October 1.
Propane customers who are part of the priority group are encouraged to apply ASAP. Propane prices typically increase during the winter months so by applying early, propane customers will see their LIHEAP benefit go further.
In DuPage County, applications will be taken at DuPage County Community Services, 421 N County Farm Road, Third Floor, in Wheaton, as well as several non-profit organizations and local Township offices.
To complete an application, you must submit all documentation required:
- Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.
- For all customers new to LIHEAP, and/or for new household members of previous customers, proof of Social Security numbers (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members. Individuals without a SSN or ITIN may still apply.
- A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.
- A copy of rental agreement (if renting) showing that utilities are included (heat and/or electric), the monthly rental amount and landlord contact, for a potential direct cash benefit.
- Other documents may be needed based on your household situation. If you have questions regarding this, please call our office.
The program will begin taking applications on October 1, 2025, for older adults (60 years +), individuals with a disability, families with children 5 years and younger, and households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank. All other income-eligible households can start applying November 1, 2025. Beginning January 1, 2026, income-eligible LIHEAP customers of ComEd will receive a monthly discount on their electric bill through the new Low Income Discount Rates. Visit powerbilldiscount.com for more details.
Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through August 15, 2026, or until funding is exhausted. Households that receive a one-time benefit may return during the program year if they become disconnected or get a disconnect notice. Homeowners who have a non-working heating system may be eligible for free repairs.
The program has expanded eligibility this year. Households must be at or below 60% of the state median income to receive a benefit from LIHEAP. The 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP are based on State Median Income, Federal Poverty Guidelines, and the number of persons living in the household. The household income guidelines are as follows: 1- $3,332, 2- $4,357, 3- $5,382, 4- $6,407. Go to dupagecounty.gov/liheap or liheapillinois.com to find income limits for households with 5 members and more.
Adult Volunteer Literacy Grants Awarded
I am always pleased to see state dollars coming back to the 24th Senate District! I recently learned that the following Adult Volunteer Literacy Grants totaling $260,000 are coming to the following communities:
- Carol Stream: World Relief Chicagoland- $104,000.00
- Roselle: Metropolitan Asian Family Services- $52,000.00
- Wheaton: Literacy DuPage- $104,000.00
Adult Volunteer Literacy Grants are vital in our communities because they give adults the chance to build essential reading, writing, and math skills that open doors to better jobs, greater independence, and stronger family life. These programs also create a ripple effect. Parents who improve their literacy are more equipped to support their children’s education, strengthening the next generation. By funding volunteer-based programs, these grants not only empower individuals but also help communities grow a stronger workforce, foster civic engagement, and promote lifelong learning.
Limited Time, Eliminate Tax Debt and Pay Zero Interest
The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is offering Illinois taxpayers a reprieve this fall.
Those with outstanding tax liabilities from qualifying dates will get late penalties and interest forgiven. Penalties and interest on unpaid taxes from the period between June 30, 2018, and July 1, 2024, are eligible for the amnesty.
Eligible tax liabilities and returns must be paid and filed in full between October 1 and November 17 to qualify for the waiver of penalty and interest. IDOR does not collect property taxes. Estate, franchise, and insurance taxes also do not fall under IDOR and do not qualify for forgiveness. Illinois taxpayers have the right to appeal IDOR decisions.
IDOR’s last tax amnesty was in October and November of 2019. No future amnesty periods are currently planned in the Illinois Tax Delinquency Amnesty Act. Amendments to the act with additional dates require action from the Illinois General Assembly.
Visit tax.illinois.gov/taxamnesty for full instructions and further resources.
Illinois sees Record-Breaking Tourism in 2024
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Tourism has recently announced that Illinois welcomed a record-breaking number of visitors in 2024.
According to data provided by Tourism Economics, Illinois welcomed 113 million domestic and international visitors last year, who generated $48.5 billion in spending, an increase of 500,000 visitors and $1.3 billion in spending from the previous year.
This accounted for $4.7 billion in state and local tax revenue, supporting more than 280,000 jobs in the state’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Tourism is a vital part of our state’s economic success, contributing valuable revenue to local economies. These record-setting figures come as a great relief for those in the tourism and hospitality industry, who are still recovering from the effects of the pandemic and the forced shutdown of businesses across the state.