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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

Turner plan to tackle teacher shortage becomes law

Details
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 03:06 PM

Senator Doris Turner

 

SPRINGFIELD – A measure State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) championed to allow school districts to hire substitute teachers with a short-term license for longer periods of time was signed into law Wednesday.

“The pandemic has caused many aspects of our society to adapt – especially our schools,” Turner said. “We have many well-qualified substitute teachers ready to fill the void when teachers are out of the classroom – let’s empower them to step up.”

The pandemic has caused a great deal of disruptions, especially to the education system in Illinois. The state is currently facing a teacher shortage and the need to have qualified individuals step in is vital. SB 3907 will raise the cap on consecutive days a short-term substitute can teach from five to 15.

Read more: Turner plan to tackle teacher shortage becomes law

Hastings supports new laws to help battle substitute teacher shortage

Details
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 02:37 PM

Senator Hastings

 

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois now has new laws on the books to help battle the substitute teacher shortage, thanks to Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) supported measures that were signed into law Wednesday that makes it easier for qualified individuals to serve as substitute teachers.

“Our educators offer guidance and dedicate their lives to our children,” Hastings said. “These new laws help our substitute teachers serve as a lifeline when their usual teacher is absent. Putting an end to this shortage, will not only help our students but help lighten the workload for fellow educators who may have to step in when a substitute teacher cannot be found.”

The following measures were signed into law:

Read more: Hastings supports new laws to help battle substitute teacher shortage

Pacione-Zayas plan to address teacher aid vacancies signed into law

Details
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 02:28 PM

Senator Pacione-Zayas

 

SPRINGFIELD – Paraprofessionals in schools help provide students with one-on-one or small group assistance and support teachers in the classroom. Thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago), more paraprofessionals will be able to get into classrooms earlier.

“With more than 2,000 unfilled teacher aid and paraprofessional positions, it’s critical we open the door to this profession to as many qualified candidates as possible,” Pacione-Zayas said. “By lowering the required age for this profession in some classrooms, we can help students get the individualized assistance they may need.”

The new law, formerly known as Senate Bill 3988, lowers the age for paraprofessionals in Pre-K through eighth grade classrooms to 18 years old. People applying for these positions must still meet all other qualifications, including education requirements and passing a paraprofessional competency test. 

Read more: Pacione-Zayas plan to address teacher aid vacancies signed into law

Hastings champions measure to curb organized retail crime

Details
Friday, April 22, 2022 04:00 PM

retail theft 042222SPRINGFIELD – Illinois retailers will soon have a law on the books to help curb organized retail crime and hold ringleaders accountable, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort), serves as a chief-cosponsor of House Bill 1091, which cracks down on smash and grabs and targets the organizers of retail crime to help promote economic growth and give Illinois businesses the tools to hold perpetrators responsible.

Read more: Hastings champions measure to curb organized retail crime

More Articles …

  1. Connor law ensures teachers found to have engaged in sexual misconduct can’t teach elsewhere
  2. HIRE360 receives $3 million for new training center
  3. Joyce proposal will maximize federal dollars for broadband expansion
  4. Crowe: Illinois to implement 10-day back-to-school shopping tax holiday this fall
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Member News

  • Faraci applauds Vermilion Advantage awarded grant for economic recovery and resiliency planning
    Faraci applauds Vermilion Advantage awarded grant for economic recovery and resiliency planning
    DANVILLE – State Senator Paul Faraci is pleased to announce that Vermilion Advantage has been awarded $80,000 in federal grant funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Local Technical Assistance program. “As a strong partner in Verm...

    Read more...

  • Guzmán measure to protect right to collective bargaining in Illinois
    Guzmán measure to protect right to collective bargaining in Illinois
    SPRINGFIELD — As a union organizer and strong protector of worker’s rights, State Senator Graciela Guzmán is proud to advance legislation that would further protect working Illinoisans, and their right to collective bargaining. “Laborers in Chicago la...

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  • Simmons Passes Bill through Senate to Increase Cyclist and Pedestrian Safety
    Simmons Passes Bill through Senate to Increase Cyclist and Pedestrian Safety
    SPRINGFIELD – To provide the safest conditions possible for cyclists, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation to update sign requirements on bike trails where there are known hazards. “Improved signage around pathway hazards or emergencies is...

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  • Porfirio recognizes Emmett Till Day, welcomes relatives of Till to the Capitol
    Porfirio recognizes Emmett Till Day, welcomes relatives of Till to the Capitol
    SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Porfirio welcomed relatives of Emmett Till to the Illinois Capitol in honor of the declaration of Emmett Till Day. “On Emmett Till Day, we mourn the loss of Emmett and recognize the significance his death played in th...

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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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Senate President Don Harmon © 2025 Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus
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