Welcome to Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

Johnson advances educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals with disabilities

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to remove barriers to education, employment and training for incarcerated individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, State Senator Adriane Johnson has advanced House Bill 1810.

“Everyone deserves access to education and job training, including those who are incarcerated,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This bill ensures individuals with disabilities are not unfairly excluded from opportunities that promote rehabilitation and successful reentry into society.”

House Bill 1810 would require reasonable accommodation for incarcerated individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, including waiving standardized testing requirements for entry into educational, vocational and work programs. Participation in these programs through a waiver will also qualify individuals for earned sentence credit, helping reduce recidivism and support reintegration.

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New Edly-Allen measure aims to strengthen play-based learning advances

SPRINGFIELD – Children in play-based learning environments show stronger language skills and cognitive and social development than their peers in more challenging academic settings, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a finding that is driving new efforts in Illinois to strengthen early education. State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is working to advance new legislation to reinforce those practices in classrooms across the state.

“As an educator and parent, I have seen firsthand how powerful play can be in helping children develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning,” said Edly-Allen (D- Grayslake). “By clearly defining play-based learning, we are giving educators the tools they need to create classrooms where children can explore, grow and build the foundational skills that set them up for long-term success.”

House Bill 4577 would define “play-based learning,” “guided play,” and “student-initiated play” in state law, providing clearer guidance to schools and educators as they implement developmentally appropriate instruction for young learners.

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Glowiak Hilton expands protections for seniors from elder abuse

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is leading a measure to crackdown on elder abuse by expanding the offense of criminal abuse or neglect of a senior or disabled person by a caregiver to include people who voluntarily care for a disabled person or senior.

“Abuse, neglect and exploitation toward seniors happen too frequently,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Protecting our seniors means protecting our values. The people who harm seniors must be held accountable.”

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Edly-Allen bill aims to strengthen survivor rights in sexual assault investigations

SPRINGFIELD – According to the RAINN, only 310 out of every 1,000 sexual assaults are reported to police, underscoring the need to build trust and improve survivor experiences within the justice system. To address this critical issue, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is advancing new legislation aimed to improve how survivors of sexual assault are supported during the criminal justice process.

“Survivors deserve to feel safe, respected and fully supported when they are coming forward,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “House Bill 4394 is about making sure survivors know their rights and have some control in a moment where so much has already been taken from them.”

House Bill 4394 would require law enforcement officers to inform survivors of sexual assault or abuse that they may request to be interviewed by an officer of a particular sex or gender.

Read more: Edly-Allen bill aims to strengthen survivor rights in sexual assault investigations