Feigenholtz advances measure to expand leave for short-term teachers
- Details
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is leading a measure that would allow short-term teachers to take family and medical leave.
“Illinois has been tackling the ongoing teacher shortage for years – and this is another step in the right direction,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “We should be encouraging people to become educators, not holding them back.”
Senate Bill 1584 would permit the Illinois State Board of Education to make rules allowing for extensions to short-term approval licenses if the licensee has taken leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act during the time they were licensed under short-term approval.
Read more: Feigenholtz advances measure to expand leave for short-term teachers
Hastings advances measure to make schools safer
- Details
SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is sponsoring a measure that would ensure schools have standardized plans and procedures in the event of a safety threat.
“Across the country we are seeing a rise in emergency events at schools,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “It is concerning to see that there is no standardized procedure for schools to follow if an emergency occurs.”
Senate Bill 2057 would require the State Board of Education to provide school districts with standards for a school district's threat assessment procedures. The bill would allow ISBE and the Office of the State Fire Marshall to create new rules that guide school districts, private schools, and first responders on how to develop threat assessment procedures, rapid entry response plans, and cardiac emergency response plans.
Morrison fights for veterans’ food security
- Details
SPRINGFIELD — Despite dedicating their time and safety to serve our country, over 11% of veterans face food insecurity in the U.S. — an issue State Senator Julie Morrison looks to remedy through legislation that will help more Illinois military families access food benefits.
“I’ve seen veterans in my district who are forced to rely on food pantries because their household doesn’t qualify for SNAP benefits,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Veterans served our state and our nation — they should be able to access the resources they need to live comfortably.”
Morrison’s measure, Senate Bill 32, would raise the income level at which households with a veteran or member of the Armed Forces would be eligible for benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Under current law, households without seniors or individuals with disabilities must have a gross income at or below 165% of the federal poverty guidelines — for a family of four, this would be a monthly income limit of $4,290 for Fiscal Year 2025. Senate Bill 32 proposes raising this threshold to 200% of the poverty level for veterans and military families, which would bring the monthly income limit to $5,200.
Preston holds press conference on measure to enhance speech therapy coverage for stuttering
- Details
SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Willie Preston along with fellow legislators and advocates gathered to emphasize the importance of requiring health insurance companies to provide coverage for speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering.
“I am dedicated to providing essential speech therapy services to all Illinoisans across the state regardless of their economic status, “said Preston (D-Chicago). “It not only will benefit their speech, but it will also help build their confidence.”
Senate Bill 40 would require health insurers to cover habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering for those covered by private or public insurance plans.
More Articles …
Page 73 of 703
Follow ILSenDems
Member News
-
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... -
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... -
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... -
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... -
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...
SPRINGFIELD OFFICE
(217) 782-2728
309 State House
Springfield, IL 62706
 © 2025 Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus    |
CHICAGO OFFICE
(312) 814-2075
160 N. LaSalle St., Ste. 720
Chicago, IL 60601