Pacione-Zayas advocates to increase funding for affordable housing program

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure families with limited economic resources have access to affordable, permanent housing, State Senator Cristina H. Pacione-Zayas is the Senate sponsor of new legislation to provide increased funding for the Rental Housing Support Program.

“Without affordable housing options, folks may lose their jobs, be displaced from their community and separated from their families,” said Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago). “It is imperative that we continue to invest in affordable housing programs so that we increase access all over the state, and this initiative takes the first steps to do just that.”

Read more: Pacione-Zayas advocates to increase funding for affordable housing program

Senator Turner highlights investments in early childhood education at Ball Elementary School

Springfield –State Senator Doris Turner joined the governor and a number of local community leaders Thursday to highlight investments into the Preschool for All program.

 “I’m proud of the work we have done to promote high quality education for our children,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Preschool is the very beginning of our student’s education. Giving our children a strong education at an early age gives them the foundation for more educational opportunities to come. I look forward to working more with Governor Pritzker to continue high quality childhood education for all of our children throughout Sangamon County.”

This visit comes after the increased funding of the Early Childhood Block Grant last August. This increase brought in an all-time high for statewide funding. This allows young children the ability to receive home-visiting services, as well as half-day and full-day preschool. Since the grant has been introduced, the Illinois has seen over 6,300 new half-day preschool slots, 1,000 new full-day preschool slots and 1,075 new home-visiting slots.

Read more: Senator Turner highlights investments in early childhood education at Ball Elementary School

Cunningham passes new law to help veterans

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham advanced a measure through the Illinois Senate that makes it easier for a veteran non-profit to fundraise.

“This bill helps a public-private network provide more support services for our veterans,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “When veterans need assistance, it only makes sense to give the Illinois Joining Forces network a greater ability to fundraise.”

House Bill 5542 makes several changes to the Illinois Joining Forces network at their request. The bill removes the executive board, which allows the foundation to add an additional 18 members, nine of which can be appointed by the foundation themselves, to assist with fundraising.

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Peters bill to grant Chicago principals the right to unionize passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters is leading a measure that would allow principals and assistant principals in the city of Chicago to collectively bargain.

“For far too long, Chicago principals have not had a say in the work environment and procedures that affect them, as well as their students,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Chicago principals have a voice when it comes to their working conditions, and their voice deserves to be heard and valued.”

By clarifying which educators are considered qualifies “managerial employees”, House Bill 5107 ensures principals and assistant principals in Chicago will have the right to unionize.

Read more: Peters bill to grant Chicago principals the right to unionize passes Senate