Lewis Summer Events Calendar Offers Something for Everyone!
My summer and fall community outreach events are already off and running, and we are offering a wide variety of events for the residents of the 24th District. Mark your calendars now for these fun and free events:
- Saturday, July 22, Document Shredding Event: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM, Bierman Park, 1253 Woodlake Dr, Carol Stream
- Thursday, July 27, How to Lower Your Utility Bill: 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon, Wheaton Public Library, 225 N Cross St, Wheaton (Representatives from the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) will share tips on how to lower your bill and advice on how to avoid scams)
- Thursday, September 7, Senior Fair: 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon, Roselle Park District, 555 W Bryn Mawr Avenue, Roselle
- Wednesday, September 13, Senior Fair: Wheaton Community Center, 1777 S Blanchard St, Wheaton
- Wednesday, September 27, Unclaimed Property Day: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Wheaton Community Center, 1777 S Blanchard St, Wheaton (Representatives of the Secretary of State’s Office will be available to help people search the state’s “unclaimed property and cash” database. One of four people find cash or property they are owed!)
As dates approach, additional information will be available on my website. Additionally, new events are added regularly, so visit SenatorLewis.com often to find more information.
Senator Lewis- Out and About in the 24th District
Summer is flying by, and I am enjoying this time back in the 24th District. During these months when we are not in session, I meet with constituents to discuss their issues and priorities and tour some of the amazing businesses, parks, and service agencies in our region. These photos represent just a small sampling of places my staff and I have visited recently. Beginning at the top and moving left to right, visits included: Hosting Traveling Office Hours at the Schaumburg Library, providing a legislative update at a meeting of the League of Women Voters of Roselle/Bloomingdale, touring the Matrix Plastic Products facility in Wood Dale, taking a tour and talking with officials at the Warrenville Fire Department, touring the Wheaton Sanitary District’s facilities, attending an event at Wood Dale’s Central Park where a check was presented for park improvements, hosting a Kids Fair, and touring Little Friends in Naperville prior to a legislative forum that was hosted by the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Grocery Prices Went Up July 1
As you may have noticed, on Saturday, July 1, Illinoisans began paying more at the grocery store when the state’s grocery tax was reimplemented. Last summer, the short-term suspension of the one percent sales tax took effect as part of a series of temporary relief measures.
July’s tax increase on groceries comes despite legislation I was supportive of this year to provide long-term relief through Senate Bill 1150, which would have made Illinois the 38th state to permanently do away with the state grocery tax. It would have also exempted prescription drugs and other medical devices from state sales tax. Democrats blocked this legislation and wouldn’t even give it a hearing.
Milton Township to Offer Community Mental Health Board Funding
My office has been notified that the Milton Township Community Mental Health Board will be offering funding to eligible organizations for Fiscal Year 2024. The scope of the funding will cover mental illness, services for individuals with developmental disabilities, and substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery. Funding for capital projects will not be considered.
The maximum award will be $100,000, with up to three awards of that amount to be issued. Remaining awards will be of $50,000 or less. A total of $750,000 is available for FY 2024. One hundred percent of the funds must be used to serve Milton Township residents, and applicants will be required to document the means by which township residency is confirmed. Township residency can be checked here, and the grant application can be accessed here. Funding will be distributed at the beginning of 2024 and again in June 2024 if additional funds are available.
If you have questions about this program, please contact Community Health Board Manager Jennifer Hutchins at j.hutchins@miltontownship.net.
Upgraded High-Speed Rail Makes for Faster Commute
Last week, the rail service between Chicago and St. Louis upgraded to a higher-speed service. Now, trains on the Lincoln Service Route will travel up to 110 miles an hour. An increase of 20 miles per hour, this change is expected to shave from 15 to 30 minutes off the commute, making the overall trip between the two cities less than five hours.
Overall, the upgrade project took eight years of development and five years of testing and cost nearly $2 billion. Some of this money was used to help upgrade the Springfield Amtrak station and build new stations in Dwight, Pontiac, Carlinville, and Alton. Railroad crossings were also fitted with more advanced measures to prevent collisions with vehicles on the tracks.
ISP Recruitment for 2024 Is Open
The Illinois State Police Merit Board is currently processing applications for both of its 2024 classes. These two classes consist of a Traditional Cadet Class and a Fast Track Class. The Traditional Cadet Class is open to all who apply and make it through the interview section; however, the Fast Track Class was created for already certified police officers who want to train to become Illinois State Troopers. Both classes are set to begin in April 2024.
The requirements and application process for the program can all be found on the Illinois State Police Merit Board’s website. There are several requirements set prior to the Training Camp, some of which include a Physical Fitness Inventory Test, Background Check, and Certification process. If interested, there is an application fee, but there is also a fee waiver if necessary.