Ventura to address child incarceration under proposed task force

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura presented a new bill in committee that seeks to reform the state's approach to child incarceration. Senate Bill 2156 would establish the Child First Reform Task Force to review and recommend reforms to the juvenile justice system, including training for courts and law enforcement on child-first directives and integrating restorative practices. Prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment, the bill aims to create a more compassionate system that protects children’s rights and addresses the broader consequences of criminalization.

“This task force will gather essential insights to help reshape our juvenile justice system with a child-first approach — one that prioritizes rehabilitation, healing and prevention while still ensuring accountability and safety. This is a crucial step toward justice for our children and communities,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislation is not just about reforming systems; it’s about redefining how we see and support our children. Every child, regardless of their background, deserves the resources and opportunities to grow into a healthy, productive adult. By investing in community-based alternatives to juvenile detention, we can create real, positive change that helps troubled youth find a better path forward.”

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Belt’s measure helps students with reading difficulties get help earlier

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure to enhance early literacy education for students in kindergarten through third-grade.

“It’s so important that kids receive early intervention if they are having difficulties reading,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The earlier a student is identified as potentially struggling with reading, the sooner intervention and support can start for the student.”

The Illinois State Board of Education created and adopted a Comprehensive Literacy Plan in 2024. The plan acts as a roadmap to enhance and unify core literacy instruction efforts statewide. It is designed to outline necessary supports and resources for literacy reform, ensuring all students receive developmentally appropriate and evidence-based literacy instruction. The purpose of Belt’s measure is to ensure kindergarten through third-grade students receive regular screenings for potential reading difficulties so those needing additional support can be identified early on and receive intervention.

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Castro advocates for ban on cellphones during classroom instruction

Illinois students’ learning, engagement and test scores could be on track to improve significantly under a proposal from State Senator Cristina Castro seeking to limit students’ use of cellphones during classroom instruction.

“Every student in Illinois deserves a quality education,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The growing mental health crisis among children has been shown to be directly related to constant access to these devices, which poses a serious concern for their education.”

 Almost three-quarters of high school teachers recently polled by Pew Research said cellphone distraction is a major problem in their classes. At least 10 states currently have laws, executive orders, or state education department policies restricting student use of cellphones during class.

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Faraci announces free prep classes for UIUC students studying for professional and licensing exams

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci is announcing a new state program that will help all Illinois college students prepare for graduate school and in-demand careers.

“It is unfortunate to see gifted students’ dreams and career choices limited simply because they can’t afford the classes that would prepare them for graduate school entrance exams or for professional license exams,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “I am pleased to see Illinois making this $10 million investment to help our best and brightest succeed regardless of their ability to pay for graduate and professional prep classes.”

The Prepare for Illinois' Future Program is the result of a commitment by the State of Illinois, Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and leading global education company Kaplan to provide free test preparation courses to students enrolled in Illinois’ public universities as well as five community colleges. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has already onboarded the program.

Read more: Faraci announces free prep classes for UIUC students studying for professional and licensing exams