Senator Lewis Seeks to Address Rising Energy Costs and Strengthen Grid Reliability
As Illinois families and businesses continue to face elevated electricity costs, I am renewing my call for policies aimed at improving affordability, strengthening grid reliability, and expanding energy generation.
Of major concern is the fact that ComEd’s October rates are roughly 4.3 percent higher than they were at this time last year. The increase comes amid concerns about tight electricity supplies, aging power generation facilities, and insufficient new generation to meet growing demand.
Illinois families need lasting solutions to rising energy costs, not policies that make reliable electricity more expensive or difficult to produce. I am co-sponsoring several legislative proposals aimed at addressing the state’s energy challenges, including:
- Senate Bill 3580: Creates a task force to monitor energy reliability, evaluate the impact of state energy policies, and support emerging technologies such as carbon capture.
- Senate Bill 3581: Repeals mandates requiring the closure of reliable coal and natural gas power plants and restores opportunities for future energy generation projects.
- Senate Bill 3582: Streamlines the permitting process for new energy infrastructure projects to reduce delays and help bring additional power generation online more quickly.
- Senate Bill 4002: Restores local control by requiring approval from affected counties, townships, and municipalities before commercial wind, solar, or energy storage facilities can be constructed.
- Senate Bill 2687: Creates the Home Utility Relief Act to provide rebates to eligible families struggling with rising utility bills.
- Senate Bill 3970: Requires comprehensive cost-benefit analyses before major natural gas system changes are approved, including an examination of potential impacts on utility bills and reliability.
- Senate Bill 4028: Modernizes utility interconnection rules to reduce project delays, address inconsistent upgrade costs, and help bring additional energy resources online more efficiently.
I also supported House Bill 5524, which was signed into law earlier this year. The measure requires a publicly available report detailing electric utility fees and surcharges, giving consumers greater insight into the charges appearing on their monthly bills.
These legislative proposals focus on providing financial relief to struggling households while addressing longer-term challenges involving energy generation, reliability, transparency, and consumer protections.
Lewis Facilitates Donations to Local Food Pantries
Last week I delivered some very good news (in the form of checks) to two local food pantries. I was grateful to have an opportunity to partner with Walmart to provide much-needed financial assistance to the Wayne Township (above, left) and the Bloomingdale Township (above, right) food pantries. Thank you to Walmart for generously donating $2,500 to each pantry to help provide food and support to local families in need!
I was also glad to tour the Wayne Township facilities and see firsthand the improvements made possible by grants I was able to secure for them. It is extremely rewarding to see these investments making a difference in our communities!
Senator Lewis Responds to Alleged Mass Shooting Attempt at Aurora Hindu Mandir
On October 11, law enforcement thwarted an alleged mass shooting that was aimed at the Hindu Mandir in Aurora, Illinois. Following the event, I issued this statement to the media:
“I am deeply disturbed by the attempted act of violence at the Hindu Mandir in Aurora. Violence and intimidation have no place in our communities, and no one should ever have to fear for their safety while gathering in a place of worship. My wife, Bhavna, and I attend the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, and we know how important these places of worship are to the people and families they serve.
“Our thoughts are with the Hindu community across Illinois and everyone shaken by this frightening incident. I am especially grateful to the law enforcement officers who acted swiftly and helped prevent what could have been a horrific tragedy. Their dedicated service deserves our sincere appreciation.”
Lewis Celebrates “Best of Bloomingdale” Award Recipients
Recognizing the businesses and community members who make a difference is always one of my favorite things to do. Congratulations to the winners of the Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Best of Bloomingdale Awards Recipients! I was proud to present congratulatory certificates to: Vilicus Financial Associates – Thrivent , Delish Cakes of Bloomingdale, Dino’s Cafe, Sunrise Senior Living, La Campana Mexican Restaurant, Catering with Elegance Ltd, Fruitful Yield, 180 Red Fit, Hope Center – Bloomingdale Community Center, OWL Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Berkshire Hathaway Starck Real Estate, Roosters Barn and Grill, and Anyway’s Pub. Above and below you can see a selection of photos taken at some of the certificate presentations. Thank you to all of the winners for making Bloomingdale a wonderful place to live, work, and play!
Still Time to Donate to Love Purse Initiative for Domestic Violence Survivors
Domestic violence prevention and protection for victims is an issue that is very important to me. I would like to make you aware of an event in which I participate each year through the Love Purse organization.
This year during the month of October, my office will serve as a collection point for new purses filled with essential toiletries and handwritten notes of inspiration to support women in crisis, domestic violence survivors, and individuals facing homelessness.
Through this purse and toiletry drive, people can donate a new, inexpensive purse and fill it with full or travel sized personal care items. Providing these tangible essentials, along with handwritten letters of support, can help restore dignity and hope to women rebuilding their lives.
You can learn more about this wonderful program at: https://lovepurse.org/. If you have additional questions, please call my office at (630) 349-0645.
Medicare Open Enrollment: Review Your Coverage for 2027
Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment period runs now through December 7, giving beneficiaries an opportunity to review their current coverage and make changes for 2027. The Illinois Department on Aging encourages residents to compare plans carefully, as some premiums are increasing, prescription drug coverage may change, and certain plans will not be renewed next year.
Beneficiaries should review their Annual Notice of Change to understand updates to their plan’s costs and benefits. Free, unbiased counseling is available through Illinois’ Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP), which helps residents navigate Medicare options and identify potential savings.
For assistance, call SHIP at 1-800-252-8966 or email Aging.SHIP@Illinois.gov. Residents can also contact their local SHIP site to schedule an appointment. Bringing a list of current medications, preferred pharmacies and insurance plan information can help beneficiaries make the most of their counseling session.
2027 Health Insurance Marketplace Rates Released
The Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) has released 2027 rates for health plans offered through the Get Covered Illinois Marketplace. The statewide weighted average rate increase for individual plans is 14.1%, down from 28.8% last year. Please note that the ACA Illinois rates posted online do not represent the actual premiums paid by the consumer. Actual premiums will vary based on plan selection and eligibility for financial assistance.
Open enrollment runs November 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027, with residents able to preview plans and costs beginning October 19. In 2026, more than 466,000 Illinois residents enrolled in marketplace coverage, and approximately 85% received premium tax credits to help lower monthly costs.
Free enrollment assistance is available through certified navigators and brokers statewide. Visit GetCoveredIllinois.gov/LocalHelp or call 866-311-1119 for assistance.
Be Safe This Halloween
It’s hard to believe that there is less than a week left in October and that Halloween is right around the corner! Here are 5 essential Halloween safety tips for a fun and secure night:
- Choose safe, well-fitting costumes: Pick short costumes that will not cause trips or falls, and look for labels that say “flame-resistant”. Use non-toxic face paint or makeup instead of a mask so children have clear vision.
- Make kids visible in the dark: Add reflective tape or bright stickers to costumes and treat bags. Have everyone carry a flashlight or glow stick so drivers can see them easily.
- Stick together in groups: Young children must always be accompanied by an adult. Older kids should walk in groups, stick to familiar and well-lit streets, and agree on a set return time.
- Watch for traffic when crossing: Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. Teach kids to look left, right, and left again before crossing at a corner or crosswalk, and avoid looking down at cell phones while walking.
- Inspect candy before eating: Have an adult check all treats at home before anyone eats them. Throw away any candy with loose or torn wrappers, homemade goods, or items that look suspicious.
Additional guidance is available from the HealthyChildren.org Family Safety Tips.