Bennett initiative to combat sexual abuse in schools clears Senate

SPRINGFIELD – To keep students safe in school, Senate Higher Education Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) advanced a plan through the Senate Wednesday that would ensure students are protected from grooming and other sexual misconduct.

“Children should be able to turn to their teachers when there’s a problem, and to trust that their teacher is acting in their best interests,” Bennett said. “This legislation will better equip educators if an issue arises, as well as help put a stop to sexual abuse.”

Bennett’s legislation would make it mandatory for schools to develop a sexual misconduct code of conduct, review employment histories, and teach students about grooming and sexual misconduct in sex education. It would also allow for schools to set aside two days of in-service learning for teachers to train on identifying such behavior and publish a resource guide on sexual abuse for parents.

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Castro measure to license and certify Illinois midwives passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – A landmark plan to protect pregnant mothers by setting standards for the qualifications and education of midwives in Illinois sponsored by State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) passed the Senate Wednesday.

“Midwives play a huge role in many women’s pregnancies, from providing care and guidance before pregnancy all the way to postpartum care,” Castro said. “Making sure these health care providers have proper education and training will ensure that women are in the best hands at a vital time in their and their babies’ lives.”

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Sen. Pacione-Zayas, Rep. Ramirez celebrate preserving cultural legacies in Illinois

CHICAGO – State Senator Pacione-Zayas (D- Chicago) and House Assistant Majority Leader Delia Ramirez (D- Chicago) along with other community leaders celebrated a new law that allows the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to designate cultural districts throughout the state.

“I am proud to have worked on this new law, and I am excited to see how communities come together to preserve their identities,” Pacione-Zayas said. “The law affirms and uplifts all the unique cultures in our state as we work toward economic recovery from the pandemic.”

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Connor attends highway dedication for fallen state trooper

LOCKPORT – State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) attended a highway dedication Monday morning to memorialize a local fallen state trooper.

“Our first responders take a tremendous risk every day when they put on their uniforms and go to work—a risk that very few people can appreciate fully,” Connor said. “Trooper Warner was courageous and selfless in his duty, and he made the greatest sacrifice for a community that still feels his loss even half a century later.”

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