Martwick measure to tackle Chicago teacher shortage passes senate

SPRINGFIELD – A measure advanced by Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) to address Illinois’ ever-growing teacher shortage by bringing back retired educators cleared an important hurdle.

“There are thousands of classrooms across the state where students are going without any instruction,” Martwick said. “We need this bill to put teachers in classrooms and ensure our children thrive academically.”

Senate Bill 3465 amends the Chicago Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension code by allowing retired CPS teachers to return to work without it affecting their pensions. Schools are able to submit documentation with their regional superintendent to request help from retired educators in a “subject shortage area”. This emergency measure will remain in effect until June 30, 2024.

“Although our students have returned to in-person learning, we will not make up for pandemic learning loss without teachers in classrooms to guide and support them,” Martwick said. “I am pleased that we are one step closer to removing the barriers that prevent retired professional educators from returning to schools during this epic shortage.”

Senate Bill 3465 passed the Senate on Wednesday.

Pacione-Zayas spearheads measure to help families afford higher education

SPRINGFIELD – To increase accessibility for higher education, State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) has advanced a measure to allow the state treasurer’s office to make payments to Children’s Savings Accounts specifically for students from financially insecure households.

“Historically, Black and Latine families have faced systemic barriers to higher education including affordability, and we need to make sure the programs we have in place to help children are as equitable as possible,” Pacione-Zayas said. “Children’s Savings Accounts are a great mechanism for helping students afford education expenses, but we need to make sure families who need help get assistance.”

The Illinois Children’s Savings Account program will go into effect in 2023. Under the current program, applicable families will receive a seed deposit of $50. Senate Bill 3991 allows the state treasurer’s office to supplement CSA’s for financially insecure households with additional funds.

Read more: Pacione-Zayas spearheads measure to help families afford higher education

Turner’s bill to honor service members passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to honor our state’s fallen heroes, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is championing a measure to honor their next of kin with the presentation of an Illinois flag. 

“Our country would not be where it is today without the sacrifice of our brave men and women in uniform,” Turner said. “This measure will help show the respect we have for the families that pay the ultimate sacrifice.”

Under Turner’s measure, if an Illinois resident dies while on State Active Duty or Federal Active Duty, their next of kin would be presented the Illinois state flag by military personnel.

Read more: Turner’s bill to honor service members passes Senate

Senate approves Johnson’s plan to reduce school fees for children of military personnel

SPRINGFIELD – Schools fees may soon be waived for low-income students with veteran or active military parents under a measure by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) passed through the Senate Wednesday.

“Veterans and active military members endure many hardships, and families with young children are finding it difficult to keep up with school fees,” Johnson said. “By offering support to our heroes and their families, we can assist them through difficult financial times.”

Johnson’s proposal allows school boards to waive fees for students with a parent who is a veteran or an active member of the military with an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, which is an estimated $55,500 for an average family of four.

Read more: Senate approves Johnson’s plan to reduce school fees for children of military personnel