Fine: Eliminating harmful polystyrene food containers moves us closer to environmental safety goals
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SPRINGFIELD – To further mitigate the harmful environmental impact and potential health risks from disposable food packaging, State Senator Laura Fine is leading a measure to prohibit the sale or distribution of food containers containing polystyrene foam, commonly known as Styrofoam.
“When you take food to go, you may dispose of the containers in several minutes. However, if the disposable container is made of polystyrene, it can remain in our environment for many years. Styrene food packaging contains harmful chemicals that can leach into food, especially if the food is hot or acidic," said Fine (D-Glenview). "Polystyrene food containers do not break down naturally in the environment, and pieces of these containers are often found in our waterways and aquatic life.”
In 2023, Fine passed the Degradable Plastic Act to ban state agencies and universities from purchasing or using polystyrene by Jan. 1, 2025. Building on these efforts, Senate Bill 1531 would prohibit the sale or distribution of polystyrene foam food containers across Illinois starting Jan. 1, 2030.
Edly-Allen backed measure to protect domestic violence survivors using workplace resources
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SPRINGFIELD – Domestic violence is a serious public health issue across the United States. In Illinois, 42% of women and 26% of men will face violence from an intimate partner, leading State Senator Mary Edly-Allen to collaborate with State Representative Daniel Didech on House Bill 1278.
“Victims of domestic violence should not have to worry about workplace retaliation,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “Survivors should not be penalized for protecting themselves. This bill can - and will - save lives, and I am proud to carry this legislation through the Senate.”
House Bill 1278 provides that employees can use work devices to document or communicate about violence affecting them or their family, and must be given access to related files if needed for legal action. Employers must post a notice about this right.
Johnson advances measure to remove financial barriers for student teachers
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SPRINGFIELD — Future educators may soon see new opportunities for fair compensation thanks to State Senator Adriane Johnson. House Bill 3528, which recently passed the House, would change the Illinois School Code to ensure that institutions of higher education cannot require student teachers to work without pay.
“Student teachers are doing real work in real classrooms, and they deserve the chance to be compensated,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “This measure doesn’t require payment, but it removes outdated policies that flat-out prohibit it. That opens the door for school districts, nonprofits, or other partners to offer stipends or wages if they choose.”
While the measure will not mandate that universities or school districts pay student teachers, it explicitly prohibits any policy that bars such payment. By doing so, it creates legal space for compensation models to emerge and evolve—particularly in high-need areas.
Read more: Johnson advances measure to remove financial barriers for student teachers
Cervantes, advocates call for more funding for underserved schools
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SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes joined parents, students, and advocates to call for more funding for the evidence-based funding model in the state budget.
“All Illinois students deserve AP courses, STEM labs, up-to-date gymnasiums, after school programs and more,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “When we do not provide enough extra money for our evidence-based funding model, we are letting our children down and behind in their development. I was proud to stand in solidarity with Advance Illinois advocates to call for more funding for EBF in our state’s budget in their recent rally, and plan to continue championing their cause.”
Since 2017, Illinois has adopted an evidence-based funding model for education, which revolutionized the way school districts receive the bulk of state funds. EBF sends more resources to Illinois’ most under-resourced students and takes the first steps toward ensuring all schools have the resources they need to provide a safe, rigorous, and well-rounded learning environment for all students. The implementation of this model reflects that it is important for Illinois to apply a more realistic understanding of the relationship between equity, adequacy, and student outcomes, and create a future with more equitable results.
Read more: Cervantes, advocates call for more funding for underserved schools
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