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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Loughran Cappel measure to address Illinois teacher shortage clears committee

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) spearheaded two measures out of the Senate Education Committee Tuesday that would help address the ongoing statewide teacher shortage.

“Our schools need our help, now more than ever,” said Senate Education Committee Vice-Chair Loughran Cappel. “As schools continue to struggle to find substitute teachers, there is a great amount of pressure being placed on teachers, which is in turncausing learning disruptions for students.”

According to a survey by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools, 90% of Illinois schools are currently experiencing staffing shortages. Loughran Cappel introduced House Bill 4246 to address the issue, which would reduce the renewal fees for substitute teachers’ licenses to $50 instead of $500.

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Joyce creates Future Farmers of America Fund

SPRINGFIELD – Future Farmers of America chapters across Illinois could soon see more financial assistance thanks to grants that would be paid out through the Future Farmers of America Fund created through a measure championed by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex).

“As lifetime FFA member myself, I am proud to champion legislation that has full support across the board,” said Joyce. “FFA taught me so many valuable lessons that I still hold and apply to my life as a farmer and state senator – and I want to provide those same opportunities for other students across our state.”

House Bill 5400 also allows the Illinois Secretary of State to issue FFA universal specialty license plates. The funds collected from the distribution of the decals will then go into the Future Farmers of America Fund. Anyone can apply for and be issued one of the plates for an additional $25 to their standard vehicle registration fee. For the original issuance, $10 will go to the FFA Fund, and for renewals $23 will go to the fund.

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Loughran Cappel moves legislation to reduce the vehicle registration fee for senior citizens

SPRINGFIELD – Older Illinoisans may be eligible for a significant discount on their registration fee thanks to a measure introduced by State Senator Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood).

“We know the rising cost of living has made it difficult for a lot of people to afford the things they need,” Loughran Cappel said. “These expanded benefits help some of our most vulnerable residents save money.”

Loughran Cappel’s proposal would reduce the vehicle registration fee for vehicle owners and their spouses from $24 to $10 if they qualify or have been approved for benefits under the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability Property Tax Relief Act.

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