Lewis Commemorates 35th Anniversary of 9/11 at Local Remembrance Ceremonies
On Friday, September 11, the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our country in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania, I joined community members and local first responders throughout the 24th District to honor the lives lost and remember the courage and sacrifice displayed on one of the darkest days in our nation’s history.
I began the day at the Wheaton Leadership Prayer Breakfast, joining City of Wheaton officials, representatives from the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office, Wheaton police and fire departments, and community members in prayer and remembrance. I also attended the City of Wheaton’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony.
Later in the day, I joined State Rep. Amy Grant for a special flag-gifting ceremony with the Wheaton Fire Department. A “Flag of Heroes” that has been displayed in our shared legislative office in Wheaton was donated on Friday to the department. The flag honors the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives on September 11, including firefighters, police officers, other first responders, and innocent civilians.
September 11 reminds us of the incredible courage of those who ran toward danger to save others, and the tremendous loss experienced by families and communities across our nation. It is our responsibility to remember those we lost, honor those who served, and ensure future generations understand the significance of that day.
Major Rebuild Illinois Investments Coming to DuPage County
A reliable transportation system is essential to a healthy economy. It provides for safer commutes, more dependable travel, and is the foundation businesses need to grow and create jobs.
I am pleased to announce that more than $68 million in transportation investments are coming to DuPage County through projects funded by the Rebuild Illinois capital program. These investments will improve safety and mobility, create good-paying jobs and strengthen the transportation infrastructure our families and businesses depend on every day.
Of the seven major projects in DuPage County, five are scheduled to be completed in 2026, with the remaining two projects completed between 2027 and 2028.
- Illinois 56 (Butterfield Road) from west of Illinois 53 to the southbound Interstate 355 (Veterans Memorial Tollway) intersection reconstruction, bridge repair, new bridge deck, bridge beam replacement, noise barrier installation, retaining wall installation and ADA improvements. Work began in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in 2028. Two lanes of traffic are open in each direction during construction.
- Illinois 56 (Butterfield Road) from Illinois 59 to York Road traffic signal modernization. Work began in 2025 and is expected to be completed this fall. Daily lane closures are in place.
- Illinois 53 (Rohlwing Road) south of 75th Street to the Will County line resurfacing. Work began this summer and is anticipated to be completed this fall. Daily lane closures are in place.
- Illinois 53 (Columbine Avenue) from Baker Hill Drive to south of St. Charles Road resurfacing. Work began this spring and is expected to be completed this fall. Daily lane closures are in place.
- Illinois 38 (Roosevelt Road) from east of Nicoll Way to west of Finley Road resurfacing. Work began this spring and is anticipated to be completed this fall. Daily lane closures are in place.
- Illinois 59 from McCoy Drive to Artesian Road resurfacing. Work began this spring and is anticipated to be completed this fall. Daily lane closures are in place.
- Illinois 38 (Roosevelt Road) over the East Branch of the DuPage River bridge deck overlay, joint replacement and repairs. Work is anticipated to begin in spring 2027 and be completed in one construction season. One lane of traffic will remain open during construction.
Suburban Cook County is also receiving a significant influx of transportation dollars for projects.
Legislation Supported by Lewis that Makes it Easier to Get Prescriptions Filled Signed into Law
Illinois patients who arrive at a pharmacy only to find their medication is out of stock will now have an easier time getting their prescriptions filled under newly signed legislation I supported this year.
Senate Bill 3213 expands the types of prescriptions that can be electronically transferred from one pharmacy to another. Previously, Illinois law placed greater restrictions on prescription transfers than federal law, which could leave patients unable to quickly move a prescription when a pharmacy did not have the medication available.
The new law brings Illinois requirements more closely in line with federal standards, making it easier for patients to transfer prescriptions when needed. It also makes it easier for medical professionals to issue prescriptions after hours.
Senate Bill 3213 passed both chambers of the General Assembly unanimously and was signed into law on August 21.
Lewis Joins Lincolnway Special Recreation Association for Wheelchair Basketball
I recently had an opportunity to participate in a Wheelchair Basketball Game with community members and colleagues in the state. The event was held to raise awareness of the recreational opportunities available to individuals with disabilities. Our friendly game of basketball was played with the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association Hawks basketball team. It was a fun, inspiring, and memorable community event, and I appreciate the invitation to participate!
Registering to Vote
With the general election just around the corner, now is the time for Illinois residents to learn more about the voting process and how to register. Whether you’re a first-time voter or need to update your information, voting is a way to make your voice heard in government.
Voter requirements in Illinois include:
- Being a U.S. citizen
- Living in your election precinct for at least 30 days prior to Election Day
- Being at least 18 years old by the date of the general election
- You must not be serving a sentence of confinement in any penal institution as a result of a conviction.
- You may not claim the right to vote anywhere else.
Voters can register online, in person at the office of the election authority, at a DMV, via mail, or with appointed jurisdiction registrars. Online registration closes at the end of the day on October 18.
For those who need to check their registration status or want to register to vote, visit the Illinois Online Voter Registration Application Website.
LIHEAP Portal Opens October 1
As the weather begins to cool, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is preparing for its 2026-2027 application season. The portal for applications opens on Thursday, October 1 for older adults aged 60+, individuals with a disability, families with children 5 years of age 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, 2026.
While LIHEAP is a statewide program, DuPage County has a comprehensive web page designed to make the application process easier for residents who are seeking assistance with natural gas, propane, and/or electric bills, and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems.
LIHEAP provides one-time benefits to income-eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service. Propane customers who are part of the priority group are encouraged to apply when the program opens in October. Propane prices typically increase during the winter months so by applying early, propane customers will see their LIHEAP benefit go further.
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.
Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through August 13, 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.
Click here for additional information.
DCEO Now Accepting Applications for Pre-Apprenticeship Program
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is now accepting applications for the latest funding through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.
Launched in 2021, the program provides training opportunities designed to strengthen the workforce pipeline and expand access to careers in the construction and building trades.
This marks the sixth round of funding for the program, with $25 million available. Funding supports tuition-free training, participant stipends, industry-recognized certifications, and other services intended to help individuals prepare and qualify for registered apprenticeship programs.
Eligible applicants include industry associations, chambers of commerce, local workforce areas, community colleges, technical schools, school districts, and other nonprofit community-based organizations.
Since 2021, the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program has awarded more than $70 million to organizations across the state that provide recruitment, pre-screening, and pre-apprenticeship skills training at no cost to participants.
Grant awards will range from $150,000 to $550,000. Applications will be accepted through October 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. To learn more or to apply for the program, click here.
IDFPR Continues Rollout of New Online Licensing System
Are you a licensed professional? If so, please know that the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is continuing the rollout of its new online licensing system, the Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment, known as CORE.
Phase 3 of the transition is currently underway, with 131 professions now available through CORE for new license applications. Renewals are also available through CORE for individuals who submitted their original application through the new system.
As Phase 3 continues, IDFPR plans to transition all Division of Professional Regulation license types and functions into CORE. That includes all application types, enforcement functions, and the migration of existing license records from the department’s legacy systems. Phase 4, which is expected to come soon, will transition the Division of Real Estate into the new system.
CORE is designed to provide a more user-friendly and mobile-friendly licensing experience, including a streamlined application process and a more efficient review process for all license applications and fees.
For transactions that have not yet moved to CORE, including certain renewals, restorations, and reinstatements, licensees should continue using IDFPR’s existing process until notified otherwise.
A list of professions currently available through CORE, along with additional information and application instructions, can be found at idfpr.illinois.gov/core.