Senator Lewis Hosts Successful CUB Event in Wheaton
I recently brought energy efficiency experts from the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) to Wheaton for a utility bill clinic that allowed residents to sit down with CUB counselors, show them their utility bills, and discover ways to save money on energy and gas bills.
A special thank you goes out to the experts from CUB, who helped several individuals find efficiencies. Many guests left with big smiles, and I will most certainly bring this team back to the 24th District in 2026 for another CUB event.
Over $803 Million in Relief Coming to ComEd Customers
Speaking of energy cost savings, I am pleased to announce that over $803 million will be returned to ComEd customers under the framework established through 2021 legislation which requires nuclear plants to pay customers some returns when energy prices are high. ComEd residential and commercial customers can expect to benefit from these funds in the form of bill credits, with the average residential customer expected to receive approximately $13 a month, depending on usage, over the first five months of 2026.
The funds are being returned as part of a Carbon Mitigation Credit (CMC) program that provided price support to select Illinois nuclear units that were scheduled to be closed. Importantly, that 2021 law protected ComEd customers from over-paying in the event that federal policymakers also stepped up to support nuclear generation.
The 2021 law created the CMC program to support carbon-free nuclear generation facilities and in return, provide an adjustment to ComEd customers if energy prices exceed the agreed-upon price. The CMC program is in effect for five years, through 2027, and can result in a credit or a charge depending on energy prices.
The savings from the $803 million in credits reported on the nuclear generators’ tax returns will automatically reduce what customers pay, and no action is required by customers to receive the credit. While future prices cannot be forecast with certainty, the CMC program is expected to continue providing credits, based on market prices, for at least another year, helping to offset supply cost increases and support families during periods of economic uncertainty.
Illinois Municipal League Launches America250 Time Capsule Project
As the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence approaches in 2026, the Illinois Municipal League (IML) announced the launch of its America250 Time Capsule Project, a statewide effort to honor and preserve the legacy of communities across Illinois.
The initiative invites municipalities throughout the state to submit items for inclusion in a time capsule that will be buried on the grounds of the IML office in Springfield. Suggested contributions include photographs, proclamations, local histories, lapel pins, letters, and other keepsakes that reflect the character and spirit of Illinois communities. Once assembled, the capsule will be sealed for fifty years and opened on July 4, 2076, during the nation’s 300th anniversary.
The deadline for submitting items is Wednesday, December 31. The IML is offering helpful resources on its website at iml.org/IL250, including a model resolution, a digital toolkit, and additional guidance. Items sent by mail should be addressed to: Illinois Municipal League, P.O. Box 5180, Springfield, IL 62705-5180.
Lewis Celebrates State Football Championship with Wheaton’s St. Francis High School
It was exciting to be a part of a school-wide celebration recently recognizing the St. Francis High School in Wheaton’s 2025 IHSA Class 5A State Championship for football. The Spartans took the state title in a nail-biter of a game, defeating providence Catholic by a score of 39-35. This is not St. Francis’ first state title, and this December 2 victory is the latest top achievement for a very successful program.
I presented the team and coaches with an official Senate recognition certificate, and invited them to join me in Springfield so I can formally recognize them on the Senate Floor.
IDOR Urges Residents to be Alert While Online Shopping
During this holiday gift-giving season, the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is urging Illinoisans to stay alert when shopping online and to take simple steps to protect themselves from fraud and identity theft.
According to the PEW Research Center, about 1 in 3 U.S. adults report experiencing an online shopping scam. The FBI also reported that online scams and internet crimes are on the rise, with a record $16.6 billion in losses occurring in 2024.
To help combat the increase in online scams and crimes, IDOR shared some helpful online safety tips for Illinois shoppers:
- Shop with trusted retailers
- Pay with a credit card, rather than debit cards or other payment options
- Check for secure websites and look for https in the URL
- Use strong passwords and enable multifactor authentication
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for online shopping or financial transactions
- Monitor your financial accounts regularly
- Protect your personal and tax information
- Be alert for delivery and tracking scams
Follow these helpful tips and tricks to stay alert and be on the lookout for cybercriminals this holiday season.
FAFSA Portal for 2026-2027 Collegiate School Year Now Open
Improvements to the 2026-27 FAFSA form are making the federal student aid process faster, simpler, and more user-friendly for everyone – students, parents, counselors, and higher ed professionals!
Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs (grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans) is encouraged to complete a FAFSA form and submit it as soon as possible.
The process should take about a half hour. Please click here for additional details and to access the form.
State Fire Marshal Reminds Illinois Residents of Holiday Fire Safety Risks
With holiday festivities underway, the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and its fire safety partners are reminding Illinois residents to keep fire safety at the top of their holiday checklist as they decorate and gather with family and friends in the coming weeks.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles, and more than two of every five occur when decorations are placed too close to a heat source. Nationwide, fire departments respond to an estimated 832 home structure fires each year that begin with decorations, excluding Christmas trees. Meanwhile, between 2019 and 2023, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 145 Christmas tree fires per year.
To help Illinois families stay safe this season, OSFM and its partners shared the following fire safety tips:
- Be careful with holiday decorations. Make sure decorations are either flame-retardant or flame-resistant.
- Keep lit candles at least 12 inches away from decorations or anything that can catch fire.
- Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
- Extinguish all lit candles before going to bed or leaving the house.
- Check to make sure your lights are rated for indoor or outdoor use or both.
- Replace any light strands that have worn or broken cords. Make sure to read the recommendation for the number of light strings you can string together.
- Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
- If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure to check water levels daily.
- Keep real Christmas trees away from a heat source. It can dry out the tree quickly.
The OSFM is also hosting its annual Keep the Wreath Red Campaign from December 1 through January 2 at offices in Springfield and Chicago, as well as at the Quinn Fire Academy. The campaign raises awareness about holiday fire safety by replacing red wreath bulbs with white ones when a fire-related death occurs.
Nominations Open for 2026 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards
If you know someone who goes above and beyond to serve their community, I invite you to nominate them for a Governor’s Volunteer Service Award. Whether they are mentoring youth, supporting seniors, leading community projects, or lending a hand wherever it’s needed, this is the moment to shine a light on their impact.
Any Illinois who gives of their time to help others is eligible for consideration. The nomination deadline is January 1, 2026, and award categories include:
- Senior Volunteer (65+)
- Adult Volunteer (19–64)
- Youth Volunteer (18 & under)
- AmeriCorps Seniors Member (Foster Grandparent, RSVP, or Senior Companion)
- AmeriCorps Member
Winners will be celebrated at a special in-person luncheon in Spring 2026. Click here to learn more and access the application.