Comprehensive Grant Portal Added to Lewis Website
I’m pleased to announce that I have added a comprehensive state grant portal to my website, SenatorLewis.com. All state agencies that offer grants and loans are listed, and through hyperlinks, visitors can browse the various state agency grant pages and search for relevant funding opportunities.
You can find this grant portal by going to SenatorLewis.com and scrolling over the “Resources” tab at the top. The dropdown menu includes the already-existing sub-categories of State Government Resources, County Resources, and Helpful Tools & Information, and the newly-added Grant Opportunities category.
I would invite you to look through that section of my website. There is a wide variety of useful information on the sub-menu of my Resources page!
Lewis Announces Family and Adult Literacy Grants in 24th District
Speaking of grants, I am always pleased to see state dollars coming back to the 24th Senate District! I recently learned that the following Adult Volunteer Literacy Grants totaling $265,000 are coming to the following communities:
- Carol Stream: World Relief Chicagoland- $105,000.00
- Roselle: Metropolitan Asian Family Services- $55,000.00
- Wheaton: Literacy DuPage- $105,000.00
Adult Volunteer Literacy Grants are vital in our communities because they give adults the chance to build essential reading, writing, and math skills that open doors to better jobs, greater independence, and stronger family life. These programs also create a ripple effect. Parents who improve their literacy are more equipped to support their children’s education, strengthening the next generation. By funding volunteer-based programs, these grants not only empower individuals but also help communities grow a stronger workforce, foster civic engagement, and promote lifelong learning.
Ensuring SNAP Assistance Reaches Those Who Need It Most
Illinois recently launched the Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) program to provide one-time assistance to households that recently lost their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The program provides eligible households with a one-time payment of $400, with $70 million allocated for Fiscal Year 2027.
As Illinois works to help families navigate changes to federal SNAP eligibility and work requirements, it is also important to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly and that the state’s SNAP system is operating efficiently. According to federal Fiscal Year 2025 data, Illinois’ SNAP payment error rate increased to 14.6%, up from 11.56% the previous year. The error rate reflects both overpayments and underpayments.
Click here to learn more about this program.
Senator Lewis to Co-Host Second Annual Disabilities Resource & Job Placement Expo in Carol Stream
Following the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural Disabilities Resource & Job Placement Expo, State Reps. Jennifer Sanalitro and Amy Grant and I are bringing the event back on August 20 with even more exhibitors, resources, and opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families.
The expo will feature more than 60 agencies, nonprofit organizations, and service providers dedicated to supporting the IDD community, including more than a dozen employers and organizations offering employment opportunities or job placement assistance.
Our communities are strongest when everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. This expo makes it easier for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and caregivers to connect with organizations that provide meaningful support, guidance, and opportunities. From employment and education to therapy, advocacy, and legal services, this event brings together a wealth of resources in one convenient location. I encourage anyone who may benefit to attend and learn more about the programs and services available.
Please click here to access a printable version of the flyer. The flyer shows a listing of participants, and other useful information. In addition to the booths, we are offering the following breakout sessions and workshops:
9:00 AM: “Ability in Action: Tech & Workplace Accommodations” Presented by DONKA, Inc.
10:00 AM: “RIDE DuPage & RTA Reducing Fare” Presented by RTA & PACE.
11:00 AM: “Workforce Success Programs within the State of Illinois” Presented by Illinois Central Management Services.
For additional information about this free event tailored to the IDD community, please call my legislative office at (630) 349-0645, or email Julie at jlmceinc@aol.com.
Children’s Safety Expo Featuring Jesse White Tumblers Coming to Bloomingdale on Aug. 29
Family-friendly fun, including a performance by the renowned Jesse White Tumblers, a demonstration by the Bloomingdale Police K-9 Unit, a “Touch-a-Truck” display, the Traveling World of Reptiles show, giveaways and more will be featured at a FREE Children’s Safety Expo I am co-hosting on Saturday, August 29. Admission is free, and giveaways will be available throughout the event.
Demonstration Schedule
- 9:00 AM: Bloomingdale Police K-9 Unit
- 9:30 AM: Jesse White Tumblers
- 10:00 AM: Traveling World of Reptiles
- 11:30 AM: Stardom Dance Academy
- 12:00 PM: Drawing and giveaways
An interactive “Touch-a-Truck” exhibit will also be featured at the Safety Expo. Kids are invited to see, touch and even get behind the wheel of their favorite squad car, fire truck, snowplow and more. Local professionals will be available to answer questions about the equipment they use and the work they do.
For more information about the event, please contact Julie at jlmceinc@aol.com.
Lewis-Supported Legislation Strengthening DCFS Transparency and Accountability Signed into Law
Legislation was recently signed into law to strengthen transparency and accountability in DCFS investigations involving allegations of child abuse or neglect.
House Bill 4242, which I was proud to support, amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act by requiring DCFS to include additional information in written notices of final determinations involving indicated findings of abuse or neglect.
Under the new law, notices must include a statement of the allegation and indicated finding, the length of time the finding will remain in the State Central Register, and information regarding the right to request an administrative appeal. The notice must also explain the deadline and process for filing an appeal, as well as the right to request a copy of the relevant investigative file.
House Bill 4242 takes effect January 1, 2027.
Lewis Celebrates National Night Out, Attends Wheaton All-Residents Picnic
National Night Out (shown above) is one of my favorite summer traditions! It was great spending an evening meeting with families, talking with neighbors, and celebrating the strong partnerships that make the 24th district a great place to live. Thank you to our police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and all first responders for your dedication to keeping our neighborhoods safe!
I also recently had an opportunity to attend the annual Marian Park All Resident Picnic in Wheaton (shown below). It was great to connect with constituents and provide them with resources they may need. While I was there, I was able to recognize Debbie Suggs with a Senate certificate to congratulate her on her 80th Birthday. I truly enjoy being out and about in the communities I represent!
Utility Bill Assessments Offered by Citizens Utility Board
If your electricity bill has increased, there are resources available to help you find ways to save. The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) offers free utility bill analysis and personalized consultations to help you identify potential savings, incentives and rate plans that may work better for your household. CUB also provides services in Spanish.
To register for an analysis, please click here.
Additional ways to decrease your electric bill include:
- Use less electricity during peak hours. Depending on your rate plan, electricity may cost more during the afternoon and early evening. Consider adjusting your thermostat, running major appliances at other times and turning off unnecessary electronics.
- Explore rate options. ComEd customers can explore hourly pricing and time-of-day rate plans to see if another option could help lower their monthly bill.
Legislation Supported by Lewis that Strengthens Assisted Living Standards Signed into Law
Legislation to strengthen standards for Illinois assisted living facilities was signed into law on July 24. I voted in favor of this bill.
House Bill 3392 updates the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act by improving the admission process for new residents, modernizing care standards, and strengthening accountability for facilities.
The law requires every resident to receive a comprehensive physical, cognitive, and psychosocial assessment before admission by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. It also updates qualification requirements for assisted living directors, requires dementia and Alzheimer’s assessments to be approved by qualified medical professionals with geriatric experience, recognizes current medication administration practices, and strengthens enforcement for facilities with repeated compliance violations.
The legislation passed the Senate and House unanimously and takes effect January 1, 2027.
New Law Expands Military License Plate Eligibility for Illinois Veterans
Bipartisan legislation I supported this year that expands recognition for Illinois veterans was recently signed into law.
House Bill 4385 allows eligible veterans and military honorees to receive a second set of military specialty license plates under the same eligibility requirements as their first set.
Previously, Illinois law limited eligible veterans to one set of military specialty plates. Under the new law, veterans with multiple vehicles will be able to display the plates on a second vehicle.
The State of Illinois has special vehicle plates for veterans who received any of the following decorations: Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross Medal, Silver Star Medal, Legion of Merit Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, United States Submarine Veterans, Global War, and the Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
House Bill 4385 passed unanimously in both chambers and took effect immediately.