Simmons legislation promotes workforce recruitment and retention for educators and childcare providers
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons is sponsoring legislation to strengthen workforce recruitment and retention for educators and childcare providers in Illinois.
“We need a plan for Illinois families and childcare providers to be able to find the best employees possible,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “By getting feedback from all parties, we can create a comprehensive plan that sets children, families and providers up for success.”
Under the legislation, the existing State Comprehensive Day Care Plan survey of day care facilities would include feedback from groups and individuals with relevant expertise and lived experiences with the goal of promoting workforce recruitment and retention for educators and childcare providers.
Castro-supported measure to prioritize jobs, promote performing arts
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SPRINGFIELD — To uplift the vital economic contributions the arts industry provides to Illinois and the Northwest Suburbs, State Senator Cristina Castro helped lead an initiative through the Senate to support this industry and others.
“Illinois’ creative and performing arts industries employ nearly 200,000 Illinoisans,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “With more flexible rules in place, well-paying job opportunities and a diverse pool of talent, we can expect to see continuing success in the growth of the arts across our state.”
The Illinois Live Theater Production Tax Credit Program provides theaters with a transferable tax credit, offering an incentive to hire locally by covering a percentage of Illinois labor and in-state talent costs.
Read more: Castro-supported measure to prioritize jobs, promote performing arts
Villa furthers language equity initiative
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SPRINGFIELD – A measure championed by State Senator Karina Villa, securing language assistance during state agency administrative hearings passed the Senate on Wednesday with support from the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
“Maneuvering government procedures can be overwhelming and difficult, especially when a language barrier is present,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Building upon the Language Equity and Access Act that was signed into law in August, this will ensure that every Illinois resident has the same degree of access during hearings, regardless of their proficiency in English.”
House Bill 5172 would require state agencies to provide competent and accurate interpretive assistance for self-represented and low-income individuals with limited English proficiency during any stage of a substantive administrative hearing.
Johnson advances measure protecting students’ access to counseling
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SPRNGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson advanced a measure out of the Senate Education Committee ensuring students’ have access to counseling services regardless of citizenship status.
“Access to counseling ensures all students can succeed and are supported, regardless of their backgrounds,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “By providing access to student counseling without barriers, schools affirm their role as inclusive and supportive environments where all students can grow and prevail.”
Senate Bill 469 would make clarifying changes to ensure all students would be served by school counselors regardless of their citizenship status. Research shows that students with access to effective school counselors tend to have better academic outcomes, including higher graduation rates, increased college attendance, and improved academic performance.
Read more: Johnson advances measure protecting students’ access to counseling
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