Senator Lewis: Connecting with Constituents
2025 was a very busy year in the 24th District! My staff and I worked incredibly hard to connect with people from the 13 communities that I represent in DuPage and Suburban Cook Counties.
My work involves much more than going to Springfield and voting on legislation. In fact, we are in Springfield only five months of the year. The majority of my work takes place back here in the district.
As you can see from the infographic, my staff and I spent a great deal of time in 2025 reaching out directly to the people I serve. We were out in the communities talking with residents and gathering feedback at people’s doors. This face-to-face engagement is incredibly rewarding, and the information gathered is extremely valuable.
We also made every effort to respond to all inquiries that came into the office by email or phone, and engaged in a comprehensive push to provide constituents with free community resources, like my museum pass. The pass remains available, and you can click here for more details on how to reserve up to four free passes for one of Illinois’ world-class museums.
Another important element of my constituent engagement program is the offering of a variety of free events tailored to the needs of a variety of constituent groups. In 2025, my staff and I held document shredding events, Medicaid information sessions, a blood drive, an electronics recycling event, a disability resource and job placement fair, a children’s safety expo, a senior fair, and multiple ICASH, IPASS, and Mobile Secretary of State events in the district. We are in the process of finalizing the 2026 events calendar, and you can visit the “Events” page of my website to remain informed about events near you. It is updated often as new events are scheduled.
Lawmakers Set to Return to the Capitol for Spring Session
The Senate is back in Springfield this week for the first days of the 2026 legislative session. The Illinois General Assembly works on two-year calendars, and this week marks the start of the second year of the 104th General Assembly.
During these early days of the year, lawmakers are finalizing individual legislative agendas and filing their legislation. My agenda for the year will build on previous accomplishments and seek to protect and enhance the way of life for the people living in DuPage and Suburban Cook Counties and all of Illinois. As my bills move through the legislative process, I will provide updates in future newsletters.
You can click here to view the Senate calendar for 2026.
The first deadline of note comes in February. Most bills must have their first reading in their chamber of origin by February 6 in order to remain active for the year. As always, I value your input and suggestions. If there is an issue you believe would benefit from a legislative remedy, please reach out to my office through the contact form listed at SenatorLewis.com.
Senator Lewis Launches 4th Annual “Valentines for Seniors” Card Drive
With Valentine’s Day approaching, I am inviting residents to help spread kindness to area seniors through my 4th annual “Valentines for Seniors” card drive.
The program encourages students from public and private schools, church groups, scouting organizations, and other community groups to create handmade Valentine’s cards and drawings for seniors living in assisted living centers, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities throughout the 24th Senate District. Individual residents are also encouraged to participate. The cards will be delivered during the week of Valentine’s Day to remind seniors that they are respected, valued, and not forgotten.
In past years, thousands of cards and drawings have been delivered to seniors across the district, bringing smiles and heartfelt gratitude from recipients and caregivers alike.
Cards and drawings can be dropped off or mailed to my Carol Stream office, which is open from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Those unable to deliver cards in person or by mail are encouraged to contact the office to make alternative arrangements. The deadline for this year’s submissions is February 6.
Senator Seth Lewis’ Office
994 W. Army Trail Road
Carol Stream, IL 60188
This is a wonderful way for young people to connect with an older generation, because these cards show our seniors that they remain an important and valued part of our community. For additional information about the Valentines for Seniors card drive, please contact my office at (630) 349-0645 or email Abby at amccarthy@sgop.ilga.gov.
Township Officials of IL Offering Scholarships
The Township Officials of Illinois offers scholarships annually to high school students across Illinois. Each year, seven $2,000 scholarships are available to high school students who will be attending an Illinois college or university. For the 2026-2027 collegiate year, the application portal opened on January 1, and applications will be accepted through March 2, 2026. Completed applications can be sent via email to debbie@toi.org. Click here to access the application and for additional information about the program.