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Senate Democrats outline plan to tackle teacher shortage

Senate Democrats outline plan to tackle teacher shortage

Belt moves to ban bait-and-switch gym membership sales tactic

Belt moves to ban bait-and-switch gym membership sales tactic

Senate Democrats welcome Illinois students for annual Tech Day

Senate Democrats welcome Illinois students for annual Tech Day

Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus condemns DHS Secretary’s Springfield visit

Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus condemns DHS Secretary’s Springfield visit

Senate Democrats honor fallen police officers at Springfield ceremony

Senate Democrats honor fallen police officers at Springfield ceremony

Gillespie plan to end the abuse of seclusion rooms in schools made law

Details
Friday, August 13, 2021 01:50 PM

Senator Gillespie

SPRINGFIELD – A ban on prone restraint and guidelines on use of seclusion rooms in schools championed by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) was signed into law today.

“This law makes a commitment to our most vulnerable students that their school will be a safe learning environment,” Gillespie said. “No child should be subject to abuse at school.”

After an investigation revealed that seclusion rooms are often used as a punishment for refusing to do classwork, swearing and otherwise non-threatening behavior, Senator Gillespie introduced legislation to address these abuses.

Read more: Gillespie plan to end the abuse of seclusion rooms in schools made law

Young adult immigrants granted more protections under new Castro law

Details
Friday, August 13, 2021 12:07 PM

castro 071521

SPRINGFIELD – Under a new law championed by State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin), immigrants from age 18 to 21 will now see increased protections in line with federal law.

“The young people who will be affected by this law are some of the most vulnerable in our state,” Castro said. “I am glad to see this extension of protections signed into law, bringing Illinois in line with what is already practiced at the federal level.”

The law allows a court hearing a case under the Juvenile Court Act to designate a young adult as a “special immigrant minor.” This allows the court to place the young adult with a guardian if it is not viable to place them with a parent due to neglect, abuse or abandonment.

Read more: Young adult immigrants granted more protections under new Castro law

Lightford provides over 800 community residents with backpacks filled with school supplies

Details
Friday, August 13, 2021 11:36 AM

Sen. Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (montage)

BROOKFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) hosted her Uplift Our Future 12th Annual free Back to School Event serving over 800 community residents with a fun-filled free day at the Brookfield Zoo with no admission fee, no parking fee, no cost for lunch, and no charge for backpacks filled with school supplies for students from PreK to college.

“As we continue to fight this pandemic, our families still need fun experiences, especially if they help our students get prepared for the upcoming school year,” Lightford said. “The Uplift Our Future 12th Annual free Back to School Event turned out amazing, and I am thankful for all the sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and families who came out and supported our kids this year.”

Since 2009, Lightford has hosted a free Back to School Event for youth and families in the 4th Senate District at the Brookfield Zoo.

Read more: Lightford provides over 800 community residents with backpacks filled with school supplies

Colleges to use social media to reach out to vets, active military under Murphy law

Details
Wednesday, August 11, 2021 03:57 PM

military student 081221SPRINGFIELD – Students who are serving or have served in the military now have easier access to tailored support services on campus under a law sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines).

“Students have faced unbelievable stress over the past year, and current and former military students are often under additional pressure,” Murphy said. “With the fall semester on the horizon, it’s important that we spread the word about available mental health resources.”

Read more: Colleges to use social media to reach out to vets, active military under Murphy law

More Articles …

  1. Senate Labor Committee Chair Holmes highlights Safe & Sound Week
  2. Murphy: New pedestrian safety law will make roads safer, prevent heartbreak
  3. Senate Appropriations, Commerce Committees to hold joint hearing on Back 2 Business grant program
  4. ISBE to collect information on violence in schools under Murphy law
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    • Holmes advances measure to protect gray foxes in Illinois
      Holmes advances measure to protect gray foxes in Illinois
      SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes’ measure to keep a closer watch on Illinois’ gray foxes moved a step nearer to becoming law on Thursday. The gray fox population in Illinois and much of the Midwest has been declining over the last 30 years, pr...

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    • Ellman measure would help middle school students earn high school credit
      Ellman measure would help middle school students earn high school credit
      SPRINGFIELD – Ensuring middle school students receive equal opportunity to earn high school credits, State Senator Laura Ellman is sponsoring a measure to provide seventh- and eighth-grade students with the option to earn high school credit for high...

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    • Senate approves Morrison bill to crack down on deadly street drug
      Senate approves Morrison bill to crack down on deadly street drug
      SPRINGFIELD — In an effort to curb the growing threat of synthetic drugs, State Senator Julie Morrison passed legislation in the Senate to regulate the use of xylazine — a powerful animal tranquilizer often mixed with fentanyl and tied to overdose de...

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    • Stadelman measure requires more transparency in health care fees
      Stadelman measure requires more transparency in health care fees
      SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to ensure transparency from health care providers and protect patients from unexpected fees on bills, State Senator Steve Stadelman passed a measure through committee that would require hospitals to be more explicit about t...

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    • Morrison prioritizes student safety with school bus seat belt legislation
      Morrison prioritizes student safety with school bus seat belt legislation
      SPRINGFIELD — In response to traffic accidents that have endangered the lives of students, staff and drivers, State Senator Julie Morrison is leading legislation to require seat belts in newly purchased school buses. “We teach children at a young age...

      Read more...

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