PLAINFIELD – Illinois now has a new law in place to help address the teacher shortage by allowing retired teachers to return to the classroom without coming out of retirement, thanks to Illinois Senate Education Chair Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood).

Bertino-Tarrant’s championed House Bill 1472, which addresses findings that 89 percent of Central Illinois districts and 92 percent of Southern Illinois districts have issues with staffing teaching positions with qualified candidates. The law was signed on Friday.

“Our retired teachers should not be penalized for returning to classrooms to help our school districts meet their needs,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “We want teachers in our classrooms with experience in the profession to help ensure our children are receiving a strong education.”

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant joined her colleagues on both side of the aisle to support significant business initiatives that will encourage economic development in Illinois.

Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) supported vital bipartisan measures that create tax credits, new jobs and apprenticeship programs which will stimulate the state’s economy.

“Illinois businesses drive our economy,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “These job-creating programs were formed in collaboration with businesses across Illinois to encourage growth and stability that will invite companies to make our community their home.”

Bertino-Tarrant lent her support to the adoption of the Blue Collar Jobs Act, which will incentivize large-scale construction projects and jobs investment by issuing tax credits to companies that build, renovate or expand facilities in Illinois.