Lawmakers Enter Final Two Weeks of Session
With just two weeks remaining before the scheduled May 31 adjournment, Illinois lawmakers still have numerous major issues to resolve before the spring legislative session comes to a close.
The biggest task ahead will be passing the state’s next budget. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed FY 26-27 budget totals about $56 billion, and the plan relies on more than $700 million in new taxes and fund sweeps at a time when Illinois families are already facing an affordability crisis.
As a Senate Republican budgeteer, I am at the table fighting to protect taxpayers from another spending plan built on higher taxes, while pushing for a responsible budget that provides relief to hardworking families and businesses across Illinois.
Lawmakers are also expected to continue discussions on other high-profile proposals, including a megaprojects bill aimed at keeping the Bears football franchise in Illinois.
To follow legislative action during the final days of session, the public can visit ilga.gov.
Senator Lewis Named “Legislator of the Year” by DuPage Animal Friends
In recognition of my ongoing commitment to protecting animals and supporting policies that promote their humane treatment, I am thrilled to announce that on Friday I received the “Legislator of the Year” award from DuPage Animal Friends. I was honored to be recognized for my work in this important area.
I received a perfect 100% score on the group’s last two legislative scorecards, which means I voted their position on every bill brought forward during the four-year scoring period. Those votes include:
- Prohibiting pet insurance providers from refusing coverage or charging increased premium rates to dog owners based on a dog’s breed
- Addressing predatory, exploitative lending and interest-rate gauging by clarifying laws so that dogs and cats cannot be financed by third party lenders
- Banning surgical claw removal on cats
- Cracking down on puppy mills by prohibiting the sale of commercially-raised dogs and cats in pet stores
- Banning people with previous animal cruelty convictions from having animals in their home by mandating the forfeiture of all pets if an individual has been found guilty of dogfighting, aggravated cruelty, or animal abuse
- Amending the state’s Ivory Ban Act by restricting the sale of parts or products from a variety of other animals
- Banning toxicity testing on dogs and cats when not required by law
- Prohibiting humans from intentionally coming into direct contact with bears or other primates
- Tightening the legal definition of “dog dealer” to exclude those who sell dogs at retail to the public
Back in 2021, I also received DuPage Animal Friends’ “Humane Legislator Award.” This year’s award was presented at the group’s annual Furever Friends Gala in Oak Brook.
Senator Lewis Pushes for Protection of Job-Producing Tools in Capitol Press Conference
I recently joined Senate Republican Leader John Curran and Assistant Senate Republican Leader Sally Turner at a Capitol press conference to raise concerns about several new tax increase proposals being pushed in Springfield.
Ahead of a Senate Revenue Committee hearing, we warned that proposals to repeal key provisions of the Blue Collar Jobs Act and impose new taxes, including a digital advertising tax, would increase costs for families, discourage business investment, and threaten good-paying jobs across Illinois.
During my comments, I focused mainly on the Blue Collar Jobs Act and efforts by some to repeal the beneficial, job-creating tools. The Act, approved through bipartisan negotiations in 2019, supports good-paying construction jobs that help families pay the mortgage, put food on the table, and build a stable future. Eliminating these economic incentives would directly impact working men and women throughout Illinois by reducing projects, investment, and employment opportunities.
We also expressed concern that higher taxes on businesses and manufacturers would make Illinois less competitive and drive investment to neighboring states. We urged lawmakers to reject the proposed tax hikes that are currently pending before the Senate Revenue Committee, and instead focus on policies that encourage economic growth, strengthen job creation, and provide long-term stability for Illinois families and businesses.
You can listen to the full press conference by clicking here.
Lewis Presents Addison Firefighter-Paramedic with Honorary Resolution for Receipt of Medal of Honor
Last week, I had the distinct privilege of presenting Addison Firefighter-Paramedic Gino Casciola of the Addison Fire Protection District #1 with an honorary Senate resolution for bravery shown during a serious fire on May 21, 2025. Casciola’s extraordinary actions on that day saved the lives of five firefighters when the situation deteriorated, an order to evacuate was given, and some responders faced heavy fire, extreme heat, and zero visibility. Casciola only exited the structure after accounting for all five responders (two lieutenants and three firefighter-paramedics) were safely removed from the structure and were able to survive the incident without injury.
You can read the resolution (SR 793) by clicking here.
Senator Lewis Co-Sponsors Legislation to Strengthen Protections for Student Victims of Sexual Assault
Legislation that strengthens protections for students who are victims of sexual assault in schools was passed in the Illinois Senate with broad bipartisan support recently. I am a proud co-sponsor of the bill.
Senate Bill 939 establishes a minimum one-year expulsion for students who commit or attempt sexual assault at school or during school-sponsored activities.
The proposal was introduced in response to incidents across the state where students who committed sexual assault were not removed from the school environment, raising concerns about safety and accountability, and generating accusations that the schools were trying to sweep the incidents under the rug.
The bill creates clear consequences for serious misconduct and ensures schools take appropriate action when these incidents occur. School boards would have the ability to review the punishment, but would be required to vote on how to handle the situation, making it much more difficult to hide instances of sexual assault.
The bill now awaits action in the House of Representatives.
District 24 School Receives “Safe Routes to School” Grants
I always enjoy seeing state grant money coming into the 24th District! Congratulations to Lake Park High School for receiving a 2026 “Safe Routes to School” grant for $250,000. The funds will be used to install pedestrian refuge islands and rapid-flashing beacons at two mid-block crosswalks on West Bryn Mawr Avenue.
Illinois’ Safe Routes to School grant program is a vital investment in student safety and community infrastructure. The program helps local governments improve sidewalks, crosswalks, bike paths, and traffic safety measures that make it safer for children to travel to and from school. In many communities, aging or incomplete infrastructure creates serious risks for students and families. These grants help address those safety concerns while giving parents greater peace of mind.
The program also promotes healthier lifestyles and stronger communities by encouraging students to walk or bike to school safely. In addition to improving safety, these projects can reduce traffic congestion near schools, improve accessibility, and benefit residents of all ages who rely on safe pedestrian infrastructure.
Annual Police and Firefighter Memorial Ceremonies Recognize First Responders Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice
Each year, lawmakers, families, and community members gather at the State Capitol to honor first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty. The annual Illinois Police Officers’ Memorial Ceremony was held on May 6, and the Firefighters’ Memorial Ceremony was held on May 12.
Both ceremonies included meaningful processions and speeches that honored the recently fallen, and in the case of the Police Officers Memorial, those who gave their lives many years ago, before the annual event was held. This year, the names of eight officers were formally added to the memorial. For the Firefighters’ Memorial, one name was added to the rolls this year.
The ceremony included a procession of squad cars from agencies across the state and a memorial service recognizing both recently fallen officers and officers whose sacrifices occurred many years ago. During the event, the names of eight officers were formally added to the Illinois Peace Officers Memorial.
These ceremonies serve as important reminders of the courage and dedication demonstrated by first responders across Illinois. Honoring fallen heroes ensures their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.
Summer Events Kick Off with IPASS on Demand in Elk Grove Village on June 11
Summer will be here before you know it, and with the abundance of sunshine comes a comprehensive list of outreach events I am hosting throughout the 24th District. Please mark your calendars now for these upcoming events:
- June 11: IPASS on Demand in Elk Grove Village
- June 24: Senior Resource Fair in Wheaton
- July 11: Electronics Recycling in Wheaton
- July 14: ICASH/Unclaimed Property in Wood Dale
- July 30: Senior Resource Fair in Roselle
- August 5: ICASH/Unclaimed Property in Warrenville
- August 12: IPASS on Demand in Winfield
- August 15: Document Shredding & Food Collection Drive in Carol Stream
- August 20: Disability Resource & Job Placement Fair in Carol Stream
- August 29: Kids Safety Exp in Bloomingdale
You can learn more about these events on the Events page of my website. New events are added regularly, so please visit the site often to remain up to date on outreach events near you.