With No Bears Bill Sent to Governor Before Adjournment, Owners Announce They’re Moving Forward in Indiana
I was hopeful when I learned a simplified proposal would be coming forward in the final hours of session that would aim to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois.
From the very beginning, I was clear that I wanted the Chicago Bears to stay in Illinois, but that I would not support a proposal that could lead to tax increases for Illinoisans. Unfortunately, the proposal that was brought before the Senate included a provision that would allow a locally created stadium authority to issue bonds that would be paid for by taxpayers.
The measure ended up passing in the Senate, but it was not called for a vote in the House.
On Friday, the Chicago Bears organization announced it will advance its stadium development in Hammond, Indiana. Upon learning the news, I issued the following statement:
“Today’s announcement that the Chicago Bears will advance their stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana is very disappointing, but I cannot say I am surprised. The level of dysfunction in Springfield and total lack of engagement by Governor JB Pritzker on this issue during the final weeks and days of session did not show the Bears organization any sense of urgency or desire that lawmakers want to keep one of this state’s top economic engines in Illinois. I can only hope this is not the end of the line for Illinois’ chance to keep the Bears, and that our conversations can continue.
“During this process we saw a complete lack of leadership by the Governor, and if the Bears do indeed move to Indiana, it is a devastating loss, both economically and emotionally, that the Governor will own.”
Lewis Votes Against Budget that Fails to Deliver Property Tax Relief
On the final day of the spring legislative session, the majority party pushed through a $56 billion budget for the fiscal year that will begin on July 1. The budget represents yet another record-high spending plan for the State of Illinois. The new budget includes $800 million in new taxes and fees.
Prior to the filing of the final budget language, I participated in a Capitol press conference with the other Senate Republican budgeteers. During the conference, we outlined our priorities, and I specifically spoke about the lack of transparency with the final several hundred pages of the budget, which outlined billions in spending that was not included in the budget document filed a few weeks ago.
For the reasons outlined in my speech, I voted against the budget.
Following the budget’s adoption, I issued the following press statement:
“While there are certainly parts of this budget that I can support, I cannot support a process where hundreds of pages authorizing billions of dollars in spending are released with little time for lawmakers or the public to review. The people of Illinois deserve a budget process that is transparent, responsible, and deliberate. Taxpayers have every right to know how their hard-earned dollars are being spent before a vote is taken, not after the fact.
“This budget does not reflect a vision of growth or excellence for the State of Illinois. If we are going to make Illinois a place people want to live rather than leave, then we need a budget that prioritizes long-term economic competitiveness, fiscal responsibility, and policies that actually strengthen families, create opportunity, and restore confidence in our state’s future.”
Lewis Helps Stop Elimination of Blue Collar Jobs Act
One important victory of the legislative session is the halting of efforts to eliminate Illinois’ Blue Collar Jobs Act and further restrict the properly planned construction of data centers. I have been vocal with my support of the Blue Collar Jobs Act, which was the product of bipartisan negotiations and has led to the creation of thousands of good-paying jobs that help pay mortgages and put food on Illinoisans’ tables. Eliminating it would have been short-sighted, and in a recent guest editorial in Crain’s Chicago Business, I stated that protecting it should be part of Governor Pritzker’s economic agenda.
If you’re having trouble reading the newspaper clip, click here to read the posting from my website.
Summer Events Kick Off with IPASS on Demand in Elk Grove Village on June 11
Summer is here, and with the abundance of sunshine comes a comprehensive list of outreach events I am hosting throughout 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
You can learn more about these events on the Events page of my website. New events are added regularly, so please visit the site often to remain up to date on outreach events near you.
Senator Lewis Grills Controversial Secretary of DHS Appointee
Recently, when the Illinois Senate considered the appointment of Dulce Quintero as Secretary of the Department of Human Services (DHS), I joined several of my colleagues in voicing concerns about accountability and transparency within the agency.
During committee hearings, Quintero was questioned on several ongoing issues facing DHS, including multiple data breaches, treatment of individuals in county jails, and Illinois’ high Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) error rate. Lawmakers noted the SNAP error rate could potentially cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars if corrective actions are not taken.
I specifically expressed frustration that information requested during committee hearings had not been provided more than two months later. Questions also included how a Medicaid-related data breach was discovered, what safeguards have been implemented to prevent future breaches, and how long individuals in county jails are waiting to receive DHS treatment services. The director was also questioned about an ongoing issue with the department sending voter registration applications to individuals who are not citizens.
The confirmation process is intended to ensure agency leaders are prepared to answer questions and provide transparency to the public and lawmakers, and I remain very concerned about whether DHS is adequately addressing operational and oversight issues affecting vulnerable residents and taxpayers.
IDFPR Launches New Online Portal for Consumer Financial Complaints
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has launched a new online portal to make it easier for Illinois consumers to file financial complaints amid rising nationwide caseloads.
The new portal makes it simpler to file complaints with the addition of both the Division of Banking (DOB) and the Division of Financial Institutions (DFI). These divisions oversee and regulate credit unions, state banks, debt collectors, pawnbrokers, and other financial institutions. Consumer complaints are rising in Illinois and the nation. In 2025, Illinoisans filed 244,000 complaints through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, up 120,000 from 2024.
Improving access to these resources can help strengthen accountability and ensure Illinois residents have greater confidence when dealing with financial institutions. To see the list of regulated financial institutions or to file a complaint, visit the complaint webpage and follow the instructions provided.
Lewis Welcomes Consul General of Moldova to Illinois Senate
Near the end of the spring legislation session, I had the honor of welcoming the Consul General of the Republic of Moldova for the Midwest Region, Anton Lungu, and his wife, Elena, to the Senate floor.
This year marks a very special milestone for Moldova as the nation celebrates the 35th anniversary of its independence. Since declaring independence, Moldova has continued to build its democratic institutions, preserve its rich cultural traditions, and strengthen its ties with nations around the world, including the United States.
Illinois is home to tens of thousands of residents of Moldovan heritage, including a vibrant community of more than 30,000 people throughout the Chicagoland area. Their contributions to business, education, healthcare, faith communities, and civic life strengthen the fabric of our state each and every day.
Nominations Open for 2026 Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame
The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) is encouraging Illinoisans to nominate older adults who have made lasting contributions to their communities for the 2026 Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame.
IDoA is accepting nominations through June 1 for the annual recognition, which honors older adults who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in the arts, sports and entertainment, community service, education, or the labor force. Each year, four Illinoisans are selected for induction into the Hall of Fame.
To qualify, nominees must be at least 65 years old at the time of nomination and either currently reside in Illinois or have lived in the state for most of their lives. Individuals who nominate selected inductees are expected to participate in an award ceremony. Recognizing the honorees and celebrating their accomplishments.
Completed nomination forms may be submitted electronically, by mail, fax, or email. Additional information, including nomination materials and past inductees, is available through the Department on Aging’s website.