Senator Lewis Named 2026 Outstanding Legislator of the Year by IAPD
I am extremely proud and humbled to announce that I was recently presented with the Illinois Association of Park Districts’ (IAPD) Outstanding Legislator of the Year Award. The presentation took place at the organization’s annual conference in Chicago.
As a lawmaker, I currently represent 18 park districts, two forest preserve districts, and two special recreation agencies.
I recognize how vital our park systems are for our communities, and it has been a privilege to work collaboratively with local park district leaders and other officials on the protection of natural resources and the active and passive recreational opportunities our parks provide.
When presenting the award, IAPD President and CEO Peter Murphy pointed to legislation I carried last year that provided clarity within the Park District Code and my focus on bipartisanship:
“Senator Lewis’ door is always open to IAPD, and his willingness to work across the aisle on behalf of park and recreation agencies sets a strong example of effective bipartisanship. For his unwavering support and partnership, we are proud to recognize Senator Lewis as IAPD’s Outstanding Legislator of the Year.”
I look forward to continuing our work to advance our shared mission for park districts, forest preserves, conservation, and special recreation agencies.
Lewis Meets with Community Leaders to Discuss IDD Priorities
Two weeks ago, I had an opportunity to sit down with representatives of Ray Graham Association, Little Friends, Parents Alliance Employment Project and WorkNet DuPage Career Center for a meeting to discuss employment challenges facing individuals in the intellectually and developmentally disabled (IDD) community. We had a very productive conversation about how I could leverage my position in the Senate to help advance initiatives to improve the quality of life for those in the IDD community.
State legislators have a fundamental responsibility to protect and support residents who cannot fully protect or advocate for themselves. For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, effective government action ensures access to essential services, safe living conditions, health care, and opportunities for meaningful participation in community life. When legislators work diligently on behalf of the IDD community, they uphold the core purpose of government: to promote dignity, equity, and well-being for all, especially the most vulnerable.
Another way I am advancing the core needs of the IDD community is through an annual Disabilities Resource and Job Placement Fair. For this event, I bring together dozens of agencies and organizations that focus on the needs of the IDD community and include businesses that are actively hiring. The fair also includes a comprehensive lineup of short seminars on issues of interest for those within the IDD community, their caretakers, and other loved ones.
Mark your calendar now for this year’s fair, which will be held on Thursday, August 20, in Carol Stream.
Lewis Champions Bills that Protect Victims of Domestic Violence
In response to the dramatic rise in domestic violence-related deaths in Illinois, I am championing a legislative package to help protect victims by strengthening enforcement of protective orders and providing more options for detainment to allow victims to get the help and services they need.
The proposal comes after the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence reported 137 domestic violence–related deaths in 2024, a 14 percent increase from the prior year and a 140 percent increase since 2022. The package offers solutions through the following bills:
Senate Bill 3139: Helps establish a cooling-off period in serious domestic violence cases by requiring suspects to prove they do not pose a real and present danger before being released pretrial. The bill applies to violations of orders of protection, civil no contact orders, stalking no contact orders, and cases involving domestic battery or aggravated domestic battery.
Senate Bill 3140: Increases penalties for abusers who violate orders of protection. Under the legislation, violating an order of protection would no longer be a misdemeanor, but would be a felony. Repeated violations would become a higher-class felony.
Senate Bill 3141: Imposes minimum holding times for repeat violations of protective, no contact, and stalking orders.
Senate Bill 3142: Enhances penalties for repeat offenders by requiring courts to consider prior convictions across different types of protective orders.
This collection of bills will protect victims, hold abusers accountable, and provide law enforcement and the courts with the tools needed to intervene before a tragedy or fatality occurs. I am proud to serve as a co-sponsor of each one of these bills.
Senator Lewis Brings Fire Chiefs Together for Meeting with IEMA and the State Fire Marshall
I recently brought together a majority of the fire chiefs from across the 24th Senate District for a meeting in Carol Stream with Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) Director Ted Berger and State Fire Marshall Michele Pankow.
The group met to discuss growing concerns about federal funding cuts to important programs, such as MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm Systems). MABAS, in partnership with IEMA, has a well-established statewide mutual aid response system for fire, EMS, and specialized incident operational teams. Departments share expensive, specialized equipment that is needed when facing catastrophic emergencies. At a time when natural disasters like tornadoes and floods are worsening in severity and frequency, equipment sharing is vital for successful emergency response.
The conversation was very productive, and I will continue to work collaboratively with the group to ensure MABAS remains reliable and properly funded.
Witness Slips Allow You to Provide Meaningful Input on Bills
As bills begin moving through the legislative process, they are assigned for committee hearings. It is at this point that you can engage and have your official support or opposition entered into the record. The witness slip portal opens when a bill is assigned for a hearing, and closes immediately following a bill’s hearing.
Your opinions are important! Please click here to view a short video on how to submit a witness slip. These showings of support or opposition are a vital part of the process. We do pay attention and look at the witness slips prior to committee hearings. I strongly encourage you to engage in this meaningful way. Of course, you are also always welcome to call my office or send an email to express your feelings about pending legislation.
Senator Lewis: Out and About in the Community
During a week when the Senate was not in Springfield, I took advantage of that time and attended a variety of local events and met with several key constituent groups. I truly enjoy these gatherings and small group meetings, as they help me connect with the community and learn about the priorities and concerns of the people I represent at the Capitol.
In the top photo, I’m shown at the DuPage Mayors & Managers Conference and the Northwest Municipal Conference legislative reception and dinner. In the bottom collage, I am shown (L-R) at a meeting of the residential activist group DuPage United, and at a meeting with Wheaton Mayor Phil Suess and City Administrator Mike Dzugan, where we discussed the City of Wheaton’s priorities for the year.
New DuPage County Cost-Share Drainage Assistance Program Now Accepting Applications
DuPage County Stormwater Management is now accepting applications for its new Cost-Share Drainage Assistance Program, which offers financial help to unincorporated residential and commercial property owners experiencing nuisance flooding and standalone structure flooding that doesn’t qualify for the traditional Residential Drainage Assistance Program. This issue can lead to property damage, mosquito breeding, ice buildup, septic failures, and other safety concerns.
When fully funded, the County expects to award up to $50,000 annually, with a maximum of $5,000 per project. Applications are open now through March 9, and selected applicants will be notified in April. A non-refundable $200 application fee applies.
For additional information, including eligibility details and the application form, visit the program page:
https://www.dupagecounty.gov/government/departments/stormwater_management/cost-share_drainage_assistance_program.php
Internship Opportunities in Senator Lewis’ Office
I have many opportunities for paid internship positions for high school and college students this summer and there is still time to apply.
These internships offer hands-on experience and provide direct exposure to how a legislative office works. Interns also gain valuable professional skills in the areas of communication, community outreach, and constituent services, and develop meaningful connections with elected officials and public service professionals that can support future careers in law, government, or advocacy.
To learn more about my paid internship program, please call my office at (630) 349-0645. You can click here to be taken to the application form.
Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate Program Update
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has extended the application window for the Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program through May 31, 2026. Applications must be postmarked during the open cycle and submitted within 180 days of vehicle purchase. Residents are encouraged to review all application materials carefully, as incomplete or early submissions will be rejected.
During the most recent legislative session, the Illinois General Assembly made several changes to the EV Rebate Program, including updates to income eligibility, county-based low-income determinations, vehicle purchase price limits, and rebate amounts. The General Assembly has appropriated $14 million for rebates in the current fiscal year, and rebates will be awarded while funds remain available.
Eligible Illinois residents who purchase a new or used all-electric vehicle priced at $80,000 or less from an Illinois-licensed dealer may qualify for a rebate. Rebates include up to $4,000 for low-income applicants, $2,000 for other eligible applicants, and $1,500 for eligible electric motorcycle purchases, depending on income level and vehicle type.
Applicants must be Illinois residents, meet income limits set in the Electric Vehicle Rebate Act, and retain ownership and Illinois registration of the vehicle for at least 12 months. Only individuals are eligible, and vehicles must be purchased from an Illinois-licensed dealer. Application forms, instructions, and additional guidance are available through the Illinois EPA.