Senator Glowiak Hilton leads initiative to require Native American history in schools

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is spearheading a measure to make Native American history a requirement for all public elementary and high school students.

“Native American history is American history, and it has been overlooked for far too long,” said Glowiak Hilton (D – Western Springs). “We need to give our students the opportunities to better understand the discrimination and persecution Native Americans faced throughout history.”

House Bill 1633 would require public schools to make Native American history part of curriculum. Teachings would include the study of the genocide of and discrimination against Native Americans, as well as tribal sovereignty, treaties made between tribal nations and the United States, and the circumstances around forced Native American relocation.

Read more: Senator Glowiak Hilton leads initiative to require Native American history in schools

Koehler measure would allow prorated debt for education students

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is leading a measure to prorate debts of students who are recipients of scholarship programs who need to fulfil their obligations at a later time.

“There are many instances where students have to take a leave of absence or cannot complete their education when they originally planned,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “Students who are pursuing an education degree shouldn’t have to pay more if they fulfill their teaching obligations at a later time.”

Read more: Koehler measure would allow prorated debt for education students

Villa advances measure to protect concertgoers from overdose

SPRINGFIELD – To increase patron safety at concert venues, State Senator Karina Villa moved a bill out of the Senate Public Health Committee on Tuesday to equip music venues with overdose-reversing medications. 

“People go to a music festival or concert to enjoy themselves — one bad decision should not cost them their life,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Whether someone consumes a harmful substance on purpose or accidentally, this bill will save lives by expanding first aid in concert halls to include treating overdose.”

Read more: Villa advances measure to protect concertgoers from overdose

Ellman measure seeks to expand fentanyl education

SPRINGFIELD – High school students may soon be required to learn about the dangers of fentanyl thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman.

“The opioid epidemic has devastated our communities, leaving behind a trail of chaos,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “The efforts to make our communities safer started with the circulation of naloxone and other lifesaving medications. Now we must expand our efforts to education.”

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, opioid overdoses in Illinois increased 33% between 2019 and 2020. The total opioid deaths in the state in 2020 was 2,944. According to the CDC, opioid use and fatalities among minors aged 14-18 increased 109% between 2020 and 2021.

Read more: Ellman measure seeks to expand fentanyl education