Key Bill Deadline Passes in Senate and House
Friday, April 17 marked a significant milestone in the legislative process, as it was the deadline for most bills to pass out of their chamber of origin in order to remain viable this session. In the Senate, 149 bills were approved and will now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Sponsors will continue working to advance their legislation through the committee and floor process in the opposite chamber.
Lawmakers are spending time in their home districts this week, meeting with constituents and discussing legislative priorities. When the General Assembly returns to Springfield during the final week of April, attention will turn to reviewing House bills that met the same April 17 deadline.
While this deadline is an important benchmark, exceptions may be granted, allowing certain bills additional time to advance. Budget and appropriations measures also follow a different timeline and are typically considered later in the session, with final decisions expected toward the end of May.
Lewis Highlights Importance of Energy Choice at Capitol Press Conference
Last week, I joined a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers and advocates for a press conference held by the Clean Energy Choice Coalition (CECC). At the Springfield event, we shared the results of a recent statewide research poll that shows strong, bipartisan support for consumer choice in home energy decisions and a growing resistance to government mandates that restrict options.
The poll, issued to more than 900 individuals across Chicagoland and downstate Illinois, shows that Illinoisans want the choice to power their homes in their own hands, rather than accept one-size-fits-all energy policies.
According to the poll, 82 percent of Illinoisans support homeowners, renters, and homebuyers choosing how to power their homes, including with natural gas. That support spanned regions and political affiliations, and was strong even among households that currently use electric-only power sourcing.
The data also underscores that larger economic issues continue to shape Illinoisans’ mindsets. Across demographic groups, 64 percent of those polled reported that personal finances, cost-of-living concerns, including housing, groceries, and utilities, rank the highest among their ongoing concerns.
The poll results not only reflect residents’ sentiments but also point to real-world consequences already evident across Illinois. For the workers who build, maintain, and operate the state’s energy infrastructure, these policy debates directly affect jobs, grid reliability, and the security of delivering reliable energy to homes and businesses.
You can click here to watch the full press conference.
Lewis Honors His Parents with Senate Resolution for Their Public Service
I recently had the distinct honor of hosting two very special visitors at the Capitol. I welcomed my parents, Philip and Maureen Lewis, to the Senate floor, where they were recognized with an official Senate resolution celebrating their decades of service to their community.
Throughout their lives, my parents have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service, whether through local and county government, community organizations, or simply lending their time and talents to improve the lives of others. Their example has left a lasting mark not only on Kane County but also on our family.
In presenting the resolution, I reflected on the values instilled in my siblings and me from an early age: a deep respect for volunteerism, a strong sense of civic responsibility, and a belief in giving back to the community. Those principles have guided my path in public service.
The recognition serves as a tribute to a lifetime of meaningful contributions and a reminder of the powerful role families play in fostering a spirit of service in future generations.
You can click here to read the honorary resolution.
New Relief Package Takes Aim at Rising Costs for Illinois Families
Illinois families are facing rising costs at every stage of life, from childcare and preschool to everyday essentials like diapers and prescription medications.
These are not optional expenses. For many families, these are necessary costs that continue to increase, making it harder to stay in the workforce and make ends meet.
On Tax Day (April 15), Senate Republicans highlighted these challenges and introduced a legislative package aimed at providing relief. The proposals focus on reducing costs, expanding access to childcare and early education, and supporting the workforce that makes those services possible.
The package includes Senate Bill 1647, which creates a tax credit of up to $1,500 per child to help families afford preschool. Senate Bill 1646 would provide a refundable tax credit for early childhood educators to improve retention in a field that is critical to maintaining access to care.
Additional legislation, Senate Bills 3851 and 3869, would eliminate state sales taxes on prescription medications and diapers, helping families and seniors better afford basic necessities.
The package also includes Senate Bill 2277, which increases incentives for businesses to provide on-site childcare, and Senate Bill 2382, which creates a tax credit for donating property for childcare use.
These efforts are focused on addressing the real financial pressures families face every day and making Illinois a more affordable place to live and work.
Senator Lewis, Rep. La Ha Discuss New Neurodiversity Caucus on Springfield Podcast
I am a proud member and co-chair of the legislature’s new Neurodiversity Caucus. This bipartisan and bicameral group of lawmakers works from a mission of four pillars: Support, Access, Resources, and Education, with hopes of bringing forward public policy that makes life easier for all.
I recently had an opportunity to sit down and film a segment for the Illinois Insiders podcast with fellow co-chair, State Representative Nicole La Ha. We discussed the importance of this new group and how we are working in a bipartisan manner to bring attention to the incredibly important issue of how state government can best support those across the autism spectrum and the intellectually and developmentally disabled (IDD) community in Illinois.
It is a privilege to have a leadership role in this new caucus. You can watch the recent podcast by clicking on the image above.
Lewis Brings IDD Advocates and PACE Together to Discuss Transportation Issues
On April 9, I had a great discussion with dedicated advocates working to support individuals in the intellectually and developmentally disabled (IDD) community in this region. I am always grateful for the opportunity to listen, learn, and continue advancing policies that promote inclusion, independence, and quality care for all. Several community partners were involved in the discussion, including representatives from Aspire, Little Friends, the Parents Alliance Employment Project, Ray Graham Association, AutonomyWorks, the Addison Public Library, the WorkNet DuPage Career Center, and PACE Suburban Bus Service.
Senator Lewis Participates in Press Forward 2026 Illinois Local News Summit
Earlier this month, I took part in a legislative panel discussion on the future of local journalism, offering a thoughtful and balanced perspective on how Illinois can support community news while protecting public trust.
During the conversation, moderated by NBC Chicago News Anchor Stefan Holt (shown in the photo on the left), I emphasized the importance of strengthening local journalism, particularly in rural and suburban areas where access to reliable news is increasingly limited. At the same time, I underscored concerns about the role of government in funding media, stressing that any approach must remain content-neutral, transparent, and free from political influence.
My remarks contributed to a broader discussion among lawmakers and stakeholders about refining existing programs, encouraging private-sector innovation, and ensuring that efforts to sustain local journalism deliver real value to communities across Illinois.
Lewis Supports Safety Standards for E-Bikes, Other Micromobility Devices
Last week, the Illinois Senate unanimously approved legislation (Senate Bill 3336) establishing statewide safety standards for high-speed e-bikes and other micromobility devices, such as electric scooters and skateboards. I supported the measure to help bring consistency and clarity to a rapidly evolving area of transportation. The bill addresses the growing use of faster, more powerful electric devices by setting age requirements, establishing safety rules, and requiring licensing, registration, and insurance for the highest-speed models that exceed 28 miles per hour.
This legislation replaces a patchwork of local regulations with uniform statewide standards designed to improve public safety for both riders and pedestrians while ensuring responsible use of emerging technologies. If approved by the House and signed into law, the new rules would take effect January 1, 2027.