Lewis Zeroes In on Budget, Bears, and Other Key Issues as Session’s Final Month Gets Underway
The Senate and House are back in Springfield this week to begin the final stretch of the spring legislative session. Members from both chambers will be pushing personal and caucus-backed legislation leading up to our scheduled May 31 adjournment.
Before the General Assembly adjourns, lawmakers must take up bills that have advanced from the opposite chamber. As in previous years, the biggest task ahead will be passing the state’s next budget. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed FY 26-27 budget totals about $56 billion, but his plan depends on more than $700 million in new revenues that have not yet been approved by lawmakers.
The final weeks of session will likely feature more than just budget negotiations, with lawmakers also taking up a series of contentious proposals, including a megaprojects bill directed toward keeping the Bears football franchise in Illinois.
As a budgeteer for the Senate Republican Caucus, I will stand firm in calling for transparency and fiscal responsibility. Illinois families cannot afford another budget built on new taxes, short-term fixes, and higher costs.
Senator Lewis Welcomes Local Students to State Capitol
Last week, I welcomed about thirty 7th-grade students from St. Walter’s Catholic School in Roselle to the Illinois State Capitol. The group toured the Capitol and had the opportunity to visit the Senate floor, where the accompanying photo was taken. It was great to see so many inquisitive young minds in action. These students asked thoughtful, engaging questions and showed a genuine interest in how state government works. Thank you to the students and teachers from St. Walter for visiting and making the day so enjoyable!
Lewis Participates in Groundbreaking for New Tovala Facility in Winfield
A few weeks ago, I was pleased to join Brennan Investment Group, Tovala, and local leaders for the groundbreaking of a new 140,340-square-foot, state-of-the-art food processing facility in Winfield. This exciting project marks a major milestone for our region and reflects continued investment in our local economy.
The new facility will significantly expand Tovala’s food manufacturing capabilities and support the company’s continued growth. It also highlights the strength of our region as a destination for innovative companies looking to grow and succeed in Illinois. I was proud to stand alongside community partners who worked hard to bring this project to Winfield.
This development will create high-quality jobs, strengthen our local tax base, and provide long-term support for schools, infrastructure, and essential services. Investments like this help ensure our communities remain strong and competitive for years to come.
I want to thank the Village of Winfield and all project partners for their leadership and collaboration in making this project a reality. Construction is now underway, with completion expected in 2027, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on families across our district.
Lewis Outreach Events Offer Something for Everyone!
My staff and I are putting the finishing touches on a comprehensive outreach event calendar for summer and fall, offering helpful services for people of all ages in the 24th District. Please mark your calendars now for these upcoming events:
- June 11: IPASS on Demand in Elk Grove Village
- June 24: Senior Resource Fair in Wheaton
- July 11: Electronics Recycling in Wheaton
- July 14: ICASH/Unclaimed Property in Wood Dale
- July 30: Senior Resource Fair in Roselle
- August 5: ICASH/Unclaimed Property in Warrenville
- August 12: IPASS on Demand in Winfield
- August 15: Document Shredding & Food Collection Drive in Carol Stream
- August 20: Disability Resource & Job Placement Fair in Carol Stream
- August 29: Kids Safety Exp in Bloomingdale
Proposed Redistricting Amendment Fails to Advance in Senate
A proposed constitutional amendment (HJRCA 28) aimed at changing the standards used to draw Illinois legislative districts failed to advance in the Senate last week. Specifically, the IL proposition would have allowed race to be prioritized over other legislative boundary indicators, such as districts being contiguous and compact. Because the measure did not meet the required deadline for Senate passage prior to adjournment last Thursday, it is no longer eligible for voter consideration this year.
The proposal raised concerns due to language that critics argued would further weaken protections intended to promote fairness and reduce political influence in the redistricting process. These protections are designed to help ensure that district boundaries reflect communities, rather than political advantage.
Illinois’ current legislative maps have already faced scrutiny. The state received an “F” grade for gerrymandering from the Princeton Gerrymandering Project, with concerns centered on district lines that divide communities and appear to favor political insiders.
The timing of the proposed constitutional amendment’s failure to advance also coincides with a major federal court decision issued last week. In a 6–3 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court, in the case of Louisiana v. Callais, limited a key provision of the federal Voting Rights Act and concluded that using race as a primary factor in drawing legislative districts violates the U.S. Constitution.
With the amendment no longer moving forward, existing redistricting standards remain in place.
Senator Lewis Engages with Sierra Club on Key Legislation
I recently had an opportunity to meet with members of the Sierra Club to discuss key environmental legislation currently under consideration in Illinois. The conversation provided an opportunity to hear directly from advocates about priorities such as conservation, clean energy, and responsible development.
Engaging with stakeholder groups like the Sierra Club helps ensure that a wide range of perspectives are considered as policies are shaped. I value these discussions as an important part of the legislative process and as a way to stay informed on issues impacting local communities and natural resources. Constructive dialogue like this plays a critical role in finding balanced, practical solutions. I look forward to continuing these conversations as legislation moves forward.
Court Upholds Madigan Conviction, Reinforcing Accountability in Public Service
A federal appeals court has upheld the corruption conviction of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, finding the evidence of wrongdoing “overwhelming.” The court rejected arguments that his actions reflected routine politics, instead concluding he engaged in a clear quid pro quo, using his public office to benefit allies in exchange for financial gain tied to Commonwealth Edison and others.
In its opinion, the court emphasized that this conduct went far beyond typical political relationships or advocacy. Judges pointed to a sustained pattern in which official actions were linked to financial benefits for associates, underscoring that such arrangements violate the law and erode confidence in government. The ruling makes clear that longstanding influence or political stature does not place anyone above accountability.
When public officials abuse the public trust, accountability must follow. Upholding this conviction sends a strong message that corruption at any level of government will not be tolerated.
At a time when restoring confidence in public institutions is critical, the court’s decision affirms the importance of ethical leadership and transparency. Illinois residents deserve a government that works in their best interests, and this ruling highlights the continued responsibility of public officials to serve with integrity.
Lewis Honors Moldovan Heritage at Daley Plaza
I recently joined community leaders in downtown Chicago for the raising of the Moldovan tricolor at Daley Plaza in recognition of Moldovan National Flag Day. The ceremony commemorated Moldova’s adoption of its national flag on April 27, 1990, and celebrated the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the more than 30,000 Moldovan-Americans in the Chicagoland area. Following the ceremony, we gathered to recognize outstanding members of the Moldovan community for their civic, cultural and economic impact. The event highlighted Illinois’ proud tradition of honoring the diverse communities that strengthen our state.
Comprehensive 211 Services Now Available Statewide
By dialing 2-1-1, Illinoisans from all 102 counties now have access to free, confidential services by phone. This milestone expands access to a variety of critical resources through a coordinated statewide system designed to connect individuals and families in crisis with vital assistance. The 2-1-1 system can assist with:
- Basic Human Needs like clothing, food, shelter, and rent and utility assistance.
- Legal Support when you need mediation, to understand your landlord-tenant rights, or a legal hotline to get your questions answered.
- Physical and Mental Health Resources that support finding health insurance, accessing Medicaid and Medicare, urgent medical information lines, and critical crisis intervention services.
- Employment Supports for a job search, job training, transportation assistance, or education programs.
- Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities that connect you to adult day care, durable medical equipment, respite care, home health care, and independent living programs – to name a few.
- Support for Children, Youth, and Families around before and after school programs, family resource centers, mentoring, tutoring, volunteering, and youth programs.
- Support for veterans, ensuring access to health care, emotional support, continuity of care, and support group resources.
Assistance provided by 2-1-1 counselors is available in many different languages.