Koehler advances measure to bring plant-based options to students in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – A measure by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) to offer nutritional, plant-based lunch options to students across the state advanced out of the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday.

“Students may require plant-based meal options for religious, health-based or other, personal reasons,” Koehler said. “Our schools should be prepared to offer nutritional options for students with dietary restrictions.”

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Peters measure to combat drownings in Lake Michigan advances

SPRINGFIELD - Piers and public access points to Lake Michigan will soon be safer thanks to a measure advanced by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) that will help install essential rescue equipment.

“All people deserve to feel safe when they head to the beach this summer,” Peters said. “This is an essential step that we need to take to keep our families safe on Lake Michigan.” 

House Bill 4165 requires owners of a pier or drop-off on Lake Michigan to install public rescue equipment such as life- saving rings and buoyant lines.  The measure also establishes tracking and reporting requirements for local governments that own a pier or drop-off on Lake Michigan.

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Gillespie moves legislation to waive school fees

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) advanced legislation to waive school fees for low-income families on Tuesday.

“A student’s ability to pay should not determine the learning resources they have available to them,” Gillespie said. “Students of all backgrounds deserve access to the tools they need for success.”

House Bill 5265 requires school districts to waive all school fees for low-income families, including fines for loss of school property such as textbooks. The measure further requires school districts to purchase enough textbooks for students whose families are unable to purchase them.

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Bennett legislation to provide affordable digital learning resources passes committee

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Higher Education Committee Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) advanced a measure through the committee Tuesday to reduce the cost of course materials and make them more accessible to Illinois students.

“No cost of college life has increased faster than textbooks,” Bennett said. “It’s vital that we set students up for success, and that includes making sure course materials are affordable.”

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