Loughran Cappel measure to increase days for substitute teachers to be in the classroom heads to Senate floor

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to continue addressing the teacher shortage, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel led a measure to increase the number of days substitute teachers can be in a classroom in an emergency situation.

“To make sure our students are getting the best education they can, we have to keep them with a familiar face,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Increasing the number of days a substitute teacher can teach allows students to continue to learn and grow, and provides consistency in the classroom.”

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Senator Mike Halpin advances legislation to limit EpiPen costs

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin advanced legislation that limits the cost of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors, commonly known by the brand name EpiPens, to a maximum of $60 per twin-pack.

"No family should have to choose between paying for life-saving medication and putting food on the table," said Halpin (D-Rock Island). "This legislation is a major step towards making EpiPens more affordable and accessible to all Illinoisans who need them."

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Simmons pushes to require air conditioning and heating for older residents

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure property owners who limit rental, ownership or occupancy to people ages 55 and up have ample heating and cooling, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced a House bill out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.

“Senior residents are at a higher risk for heat stroke during summer months,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This bill will hold landlords, condominium associations and other property owners accountable in ensuring our older resident neighbors, both in the 7th District and across the state, live in safe and humane housing conditions.”

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Belt measure to help with teacher shortage passes committee

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure through the Senate Education Committee Tuesday that would help address the ongoing teacher shortage in Illinois.

“Illinois is facing a crisis when it comes to recruiting and retaining qualified teachers, particularly in underserved communities,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We need to address this issue so our children have access to quality education.”

House Bill 3801 would provide retention bonuses of $4,000 per year, for two consecutive years to teachers who are National Board Certified who are employed in hard-to-staff schools. A hard-to-staff school is a public school that no less than 30% of the student enrollment is considered low-income. Becoming a National Board Certified teacher is a career continuum for those that starts in pre-service teacher preparation, leading aspiring teachers to pursue and achieve National Board Certification.

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