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Feigenholtz assures insurance coverage for abandoned newborn infants and lengthens the number of days a birth parent has to reconsider
Feigenholtz assures insurance coverage for abandoned newborn infants and lengthens the number of days a birth parent has to reconsider
Senator Fine leads effort to protect student loan cosigners
Senator Fine leads effort to protect student loan cosigners
Senate approves legislation led by Glowiak Hilton to combat “spoof” calls
Senate approves legislation led by Glowiak Hilton to combat “spoof” calls
Senate Democrats celebrate $175 million investment in Back to Business grants for hospitality and arts industries
Senate Democrats celebrate $175 million investment in Back to Business grants for hospitality and arts industries
Senate Democrat-led measure guaranteeing paid leave for Illinois workers signed into law
Senate Democrat-led measure guaranteeing paid leave for Illinois workers signed into law

Testimony: Lack of diversity among teachers harms Illinois students

Details
Thursday, October 29, 2020 10:12 AM

black teacher 102920Senate hearing reveals need for more teacher training, easier access to scholarships to close racial gap in profession

SPRINGFIELD – Teachers in Illinois have increasingly come to look like just one demographic, and it’s ultimately bad for all students in general and students of color in particular, according to just one line of testimony at a joint meeting of the Illinois Senate Education and Higher Education Committees Wednesday.

Illinois Higher Education Committee Chair Pat McGuire and Senate Education Committee Chair Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant led the committee, which met virtually.

John Cusick, Legislative Director of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, said teachers see a direct connection between educator preparation and the effort to address systemic racism. Cynthia Riseman Lund, also with IFT, said teacher diversity in Illinois has gotten less racially and ethnically diverse, and more female, a development which has lead to an adverse effect on students, including male students of color.

Testimony at the virtual hearing Wednesday also focused on how access to scholarships and aid for prospective teachers contributes to their ability to finish college and enter the teaching profession. 

The hearing also focused on why the performance gap between white students and students of color persists. Partnership for College Completion’s Kyle Westbrook said Illinois community colleges still have wide completion rate disparities between Black and Latinx students and white peers, and that colleges are more likely to place Black and Latinx students into developmental education, where students are less likely to graduate.

“Today's testimony revealed a dreadful cycle. A paucity of Black male teachers restrains student achievement, yet Black males seeking to become teachers encounter many impediments in pursuit of a teaching degree. Thank goodness we learned today that there are remedies. Our task now is to put them in place,” McGuire said.

Aquino, Hunter, Glowiak Hilton to host Senate hearing on diversity in labor unions

Details
Thursday, October 29, 2020 09:36 AM

labor diversity 102920CHICAGO – To brainstorm how to bring diversity to labor unions, Senate Labor Committee Chair Omar Aquino, Executive Committee Chair Mattie Hunter and Commerce and Economic Development Committee Chair Suzy Glowiak Hilton will lead a joint hearing Thursday afternoon.

“Illinois is home of a diverse population. Four out of 10 residents are people of color. Just like everybody else, these workers pursue the means to support their families and execute their jobs under safe conditions,” Aquino said. “Unions are the backbone of a proper labor representation. That’s why I look forward to working with them in expanding opportunities for our workforce. The pre-apprenticeship programs are a great asset to offer job training and gather real-life experience, both elements key for finding a well-paying job.”

Read more: Aquino, Hunter, Glowiak Hilton to host Senate hearing on diversity in labor unions

Farm Family Resource Initiative offers new helpline

Details
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 11:21 AM

Farm road

SPRINGFIELD – Area farmers who need someone to talk to about the everyday stresses of farming and pandemic-related challenges now have a new resource. A new helpline (1-833-FARM-SOS) will connect farmers to health professionals and services through the Farm Family Resource Initiative.

In addition to the helpline, the initiative offers ongoing outreach, education and training to rural partners working to improve the health and safety of farm families. Free webinars and trainings on psychological signs of stress and Mental Health First Aid offer program participants skill-building tools to meet the needs of rural clients and farmers.

“Small farms are the core of our state’s economy, and farmers are on the front lines to provide food for our communities. The reality of this pandemic is that a new layer of stress has been put on farmers and farm families,” said Senator Scott Bennett. “The Farm Family Resource Initiative and helpline will give farmers additional support to help folks recognize and navigate these times.”

Read more: Farm Family Resource Initiative offers new helpline

Glowiak Hilton joins advocates to discuss efforts to support Illinoisans with Alzheimer’s

Details
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 09:43 AM

alzheimers 102820OAKBROOK TERRACE – During a virtual event held by the Alzheimer’s Association, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts to support residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and their families.

“Many older adults are suffering from isolation and other health complications during the pandemic, and these effects can be even worse for the millions of Americans living with Alzheimer’s,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By supporting and advocating for residents, families and caregivers affected by the disease, we can improve care and provide additional resources where they are most needed.”

Read more: Glowiak Hilton joins advocates to discuss efforts to support Illinoisans with Alzheimer’s

  1. Van Pelt: We need to invest in community health
  2. State lawmakers to discuss police reform in hearing called by Black Caucus
  3. Van Pelt, Hunter and Morrison to host Senate hearing on behavioral health
  4. Hunter: Closing Mercy won’t solve financial issues, it will kill people

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Feigenholtz assures insurance coverage for abandoned newborn infants and lengthens the number of days a birth parent has to reconsider
Feigenholtz assures insurance coverage for abandoned newborn infants and lengthens the number of days a birth parent has to reconsider
SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz assures that Medicaid covers any newborn relinquished under the Act. It also extends the time of notice that the police...

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Villa passes bill to support grieving families
Villa passes bill to support grieving families
SPRINGFIELD – When Laura Kane lost her son, Zachary, to suicide, she was still expected to return to work merely three days later. To help support families grieving the loss...

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Senator Fine leads effort to protect student loan cosigners
Senator Fine leads effort to protect student loan cosigners
  SPRINGFIELD –Cosigners to private student loans may find themselves in a difficult financial position if they are unaware the student they signed for is behind on his or her payments....

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Murphy passes measure to help libraries provide greater access to e-books
Murphy passes measure to help libraries provide greater access to e-books
SPRINGFIELD – To help libraries have an easier time acquiring e-book and audiobook licenses, State Senator Laura Murphy passed legislation through the Senate Thursday. “There is a demand for e-books and...

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Rock Island gets an economic development victory
Rock Island gets an economic development victory
  SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s legislation creating the Rock Island Regional Port District passed the Senate on Thursday. "There’s nothing more rewarding than passing legislation that helps our local...

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Senator Fine legislation to distribute naloxone nasal kits to prevent overdose goes to the House of Representatives
Senator Fine legislation to distribute naloxone nasal kits to prevent overdose goes to the House of Representatives
  SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine’s proposed pilot program to provide first responders with 8-milligram naloxone kits to prevent overdose from opioids passed the Senate on March 23 —making it...

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