Pacione-Zayas to expand and improve dual language instruction in schools

SPRINGFIELD – Dual language education may soon be more accessible to Illinois students, thanks to a new measure sponsored by State Senator Cristina H. Pacione-Zayas.

“Dual language instruction can be transformative for a student, expanding their future career opportunities and strengthening their connection to their culture and develop a global view,” said Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago). “Improving our dual language offerings will help young people become more well-rounded and have a better understanding of themselves and the world.”

Currently, Illinois supports bilingual education programs by maintaining an advisory council on bilingual education, which reports to the Illinois State Board of Education. However, this council is only required to provide recommendations to best support students and families participating in ESL, or English as a Second Language. While these recommendations are important, this council could use its insights — as an important table of academics with expertise in various programs of bilingual education — to also study dual language instruction across the state and provide recommendations on how to support these programs.

Read more: Pacione-Zayas to expand and improve dual language instruction in schools

Villa passes bill to protect concertgoers from overdose

SPRINGFIELD – To equip music venues with overdose-reversing medications and increase patron safety at concert venues, State Senator Karina Villa advanced a bill from the Senate on Friday.

“Going to a concert is meant to be a relaxing and joyful experience – one bad decision should not cost someone their health or life,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “This bill will save lives by expanding first aid in concert halls, training staff to treat overdose and ensuring the proper tools are on site.”

House Bill 1557 requires for-profit music venues that have an occupancy of 1,000 or more to have opioid-overdose antidotes, such as naloxone, on hand and have staff members who are sufficiently trained in administrating it. This bill applies to music venues for live concerts or musical performances for which tickets are sold for entry.

Naloxone is used to reverse an opioid overdose by blocking the effects of opiates on the brain and restoring breathing. Amphetamine and ecstasy are common “party drugs” used at concerts that could potentially be laced with opioids. Those attending a concert could consume a drug unaware of the harmful contents inside leading to possible overdose. This measure would equip venue staff with the resources and training needed to help prevent concertgoers from overdosing.

“Those who consume a harmful substance on purpose or accidentally at a concert or music festival might not be aware they are putting opioids into their system,” Villa said. “We cannot catch every single person who sneaks harmful substances into a concert; however, we can help those who might be at risk of overdosing by putting in place this backup measure.”

House Bill 1557 passed the Senate on Friday.

Belt measure to reduce unnecessary traffic stops passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure out of the Senate Thursday that would prohibit law enforcement from pulling a vehicle over for objects placed between the driver and their front windshield.

“When drivers are pulled over due to something being on their rearview mirror, they are often unfairly targeted by law enforcement,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “It’s long overdue that we eliminate this reason for being pulled over.”

Under current law, people cannot drive with any objects placed or suspended between the driver and the front windshield, which obstruct the driver's view. House Bill 2389 would clarify that vehicles cannot be stopped or searched by a law enforcement officer solely on the basis of a violation or suspected violation of this subsection.

Read more: Belt measure to reduce unnecessary traffic stops passes Senate

Johnson champions bill to decrease homelessness

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson championed a measure to address homelessness and unnecessary institutionalism with the passing of House Bill 2831.

“This measure helps us address the statewide issue of homelessness,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Homelessness has become far too common and has various causes. With the improvement of health and human services we aim to decrease the number of those affected.”

House Bill 2831 would create an office within the Illinois Department of Human Services tasked with preventing and ending homelessness. The group would create a strategic plan aimed to decrease homelessness and improve health and human services outcomes for people who experience homelessness, and strengthening the safety- nets that contribute to housing stability.

Read more: Johnson champions bill to decrease homelessness