Senator Lewis, Rep. Sanalitro to Host Blood Drive in Itasca
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Did you know that a single blood donation can be separated into multiple components and potentially help save several lives, including patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatment, organ transplants or recovering from serious injuries?
I hope you’ll join State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro and me on Friday, October 2 for a community blood drive through the American Red Cross.
Friday, October 2
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Itasca Park District
350 Irving Park Rd.
Itasca, IL 60143
Every donation helps make a life-saving difference in people’s lives!
Appointments are preferred for this event, so please schedule your donation appointment at RepSanalitro.com/BloodDrive or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can also book an appointment online here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results…
If you have questions about this event, please call our shared legislative office at 630-349-0645. We hope to see you there!
Lewis Co-Sponsors Measures Aimed at Making Home Ownership More Affordable
For Illinois families struggling with the cost of living, some of the biggest expenses can be found right at home.
Buying a home is only one part of the financial challenge. Property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage costs, and utility bills can add to the ongoing cost of homeownership. This year I am co-sponsoring several proposals aimed at providing relief for both future and current homeowners.
Several of the proposals focus on property taxes. Senate Bill 3868 would double Illinois’ residential Property Tax Credit from 5% to 10% of qualifying property taxes paid on a taxpayer’s principal residence. Senate Bill 3849 would tie the maximum General Homestead Exemption reduction to inflation.
Another proposal specifically focuses on seniors. Senate Bill 4029 would eventually tie the income eligibility limit for the Low Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption to inflation, helping prevent inflation alone from pushing seniors beyond the program’s income threshold.
I am also seeking to address the challenge of purchasing a first home. Senate Bill 3959 would create the Welcome Home Illinois tax credit, providing eligible first-time homebuyers with a $500 state income tax credit after purchasing a home in Illinois.
The package also includes Senate Bill 2687, the Home Utility Relief Act, which is intended to provide rebates for families struggling with utility bills.
The affordability challenges surrounding homeownership do not stop once someone receives the keys. Property taxes, insurance, utilities, and other household expenses can continue putting pressure on family budgets long after a home is purchased.
These legislative proposals approach home affordability from multiple directions, with the goal of helping first-time buyers become homeowners while providing current homeowners and seniors with relief.
Lewis Seeks to Provide Relief for Working Families
Working families face expenses throughout their daily lives, from filling up the gas tank and paying for childcare to covering healthcare costs and purchasing everyday necessities.
Several of my colleagues and I are advancing a series of proposals aimed at addressing several of those costs while also allowing workers to keep more of the money they earn. I am a co-sponsor of all bills in the package.
One proposal focuses on the cost of getting to work and transporting a family. Senate Bill 4205 would reduce the state sales tax rate applied to motor fuel and gasohol to 1.25 percent.
Other measures focus on everyday necessities and healthcare. Senate Bill 3869 would exempt diapers for infants, children, and adults from state sales taxes, while Senate Bill 3851 would provide sales tax exemptions for prescription medicines and certain prescribed medical devices used for cancer treatment.
Childcare is another focus of the affordability proposals. Senate Bills 3785, 3783, 3788, and 3784 take several approaches to providing tax relief and encouraging greater access to childcare, including tax credits for families and incentives connected to employer-provided childcare.
The package also includes proposals aimed at healthcare and health insurance costs. Senate Bills 2763 and 4214 (this will be filed during the upcoming veto session) would create state income tax deductions for health insurance premiums.
Finally, the package includes proposals that allow workers to keep more of their hard-earned money. Senate Bill 3792 would create a state income tax deduction for gratuities included in
federal adjusted gross income, while Senate Bill 3175 would create a deduction for overtime wages.
Working families experience the squeeze on their wallets throughout their daily lives, including when they drive to work, arrange childcare, pay for healthcare, and purchase necessities for their families. They should be able to see the benefits of their hard work in their own bank accounts, and the goal of the proposals is to provide relief where families feel financial pressure most.
LIHEAP Portal Opens This Week
As a reminder, Illinois’ Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is preparing for its 2026-2027 application season. The portal for applications opens this week 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, 2027, 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.
Senator Lewis, Rep. Sanalitro Participate in ABATE Toy and Food Drive
Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro and I are proud to support the 40th Annual DuKane Chapter of ABATE of Illinois Toy & Food Drive, a longstanding community tradition that helps bring some extra joy to local families during the holiday season.
A collection box is currently available at our shared district office at 994 W. Army Trail Road in Carol Stream, and I encourage residents throughout the 24th Senate District to stop by and donate new, unopened toys and nonperishable food items. Every contribution, large or small, can make a meaningful difference for a family in our community.
Community organizations like DuKane ABATE demonstrate what can happen when people come together to help their neighbors. I am pleased to provide a place for residents to participate in this effort, and I encourage everyone who is able to consider making a donation and helping make the holidays brighter for local families.
Early Voting Underway in Illinois
Early voting for Illinois’ November 3 General Election began September 24, giving voters the opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day.
Early voting locations and hours vary by jurisdiction, so voters are encouraged to check with their local election authority before heading to the polls. Under state law, early voting in Illinois begins 40 days before Election Day and continues till the day before the General Election.
September 24 also marked the first day vote-by-mail ballots can be sent to voters who have requested them.
Illinois voters can find information about early voting locations, voter registration, vote-by-mail, and other election-related information through the Illinois State Board of Elections website.
Legislative Ethics Commission Names Acting Inspector General
The Legislative Ethics Commission (LEC) has appointed David E. Risley to serve as Acting Legislative Inspector General (LIG) beginning October 1, following the resignation of current Legislative Inspector General Michael McCuskey, which takes effect September 30.
According to the LEC’s announcement, Risley, who is a Certified Inspector General, has more than 30 years of investigative and prosecutorial experience, including serving as a former Assistant U.S. Attorney. He has also served as Ethics Officer for the Illinois Department of Transportation and as Legal and Ethics Advisor to the Office of the Legislative Inspector General. Risley also served in the U.S. Regime Crimes Liaison Office.
Under state law, the Legislative Ethics Commission can appoint an acting inspector general following a vacancy. The acting LIG has the same authority and responsibilities as a permanent inspector general and may serve until a permanent replacement is confirmed by the General Assembly.
The LEC announced that Risley will assume his new temporary role beginning October 1 while the Commission continues its search for a permanent inspector general. The position has been posted publicly, and the application deadline is currently set for October 31.