Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – In the face of fierce debate on the role of speech and protest on college campuses, and the federal government moving to influence university curriculum, State Senator Mike Halpin has pushed forward a bill to secure the rights of students, faculty and higher education institutions.

“We cannot allow pressures from the federal government or cynical political groups to suppress speech, free assembly and learning on our campuses,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Higher education institutions serve the role of building knowledge and understanding of one another and teaching our young people how to tackle new ideas and skills. We need to protect the rights of students and faculty to ensure a safe, just and open learning environment for everyone.”

House Bill 4304 would protect the constitutional rights of students in higher education institutions and spell out further academic rights. These rights would include an inclusive and safe learning environment, accessibility, free expression and academic access, freedom of association and organization, peaceful protest, academic transparency, fair evaluation, educational records, protection of academic programs from political interference, career preparation, educational quality, due process, institutional accountability, financial transparency, refunds and withdrawals and right to transfer. 

SPRINGFIELD – In the face of higher student debt for many in Illinois and across the country, State Senator Mike Halpin’s measure to keep track of the private student loan borrowing market has passed the Senate.

“With the Trump administration placing caps on federal lending for student borrowers, we need to keep track of where the Illinois student loan market is at,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Monitoring student loan default rates and loans with cosigners will give us a clearer picture of how students are doing with their debt and what actions Illinois can make to assist them.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s bill to ensure pet’s basic needs are met if an owner has been arrested for an untethered animal has passed the Senate.

“Healthy and happy pets can contribute positively to the mental health and wellbeing of their owner and their community,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “But if something goes wrong and a pet is mistreated, we need to make sure the law allows for proper care of the animal while the owner is in the trial process.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin addressed media and advocates alongside the Illinois Community College System on the results of the Economic Value of the Community Colleges of Illinois.

“Community Colleges provide a more affordable alternative higher education option for students and adult learners,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “These key public institutions help retain people in Illinois and gives folks a chance to learn and earn more. Many people take the opportunity to jumpstart their higher education and their careers through community colleges.”

The Economic Value of the Community Colleges of Illinois Impact Study provides a comprehensive overview of the vast positive impact community colleges have in Illinois. Illinois’ community college system supports over half a million students and over 33,000 employees. One out of every 26 jobs in Illinois is supported by the activities of community colleges. 

SPRINGFIELD – In the face of a growing teacher shortage in downstate Illinois, State Senator Mike Halpin’s plan to allow retired teachers to work additional paid hours has passed the Senate with bipartisan support.

“If we are going to build a future in Illinois that works for all of us, teachers are one of the most valuable human resources we have,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island).  “Retired teachers have the experience and the time to support our school districts, students and communities. Giving them the option of more substitution hours will give much needed support to our education system.”

Every single Democrat and Republican in the Senate supported Senate Bill 2953. Halpin’s measure, to extend the sunset of a provision that allows retired teachers to work up to 120 days or 600 paid hours as a substitute teacher without impacting their retirement status – in turn addressing the teacher shortage downstate.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s bill to allow retired teachers to work additional paid hours as substitutes in order to address the statewide teacher shortage passed committee Tuesday.

“Illinois schools need more teachers and more substitute teachers. Allowing retired teachers to continue to work more substitution hours gives the support our education system needs,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “If we are going to solve the teacher shortage we will need creative solutions, this legislation represents one of them.”

Senate Bill 2953 would extend the sunset of a provision that allows retired teachers to work up to 120 days or 600 paid hours as a substitute teacher without impacting their retirement status – in turn addressing the substitute teacher shortage across the state.

MOLINE – In order to integrate the Western Illinois economy and drive job growth, State Senator Mike Halpin secured a $1 million upgrade to Moline’s River Drive.

“I am proud to see state dollars being put to work on infrastructure that will build jobs, growth and opportunity in Western Illinois,”said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Repairing and maintaining solid infrastructure means more blue-collar jobs, improved logistics for business, and enhanced safety for everyone on the road. This investment shows we are committed to Western Illinois’ future and improving the daily lives of our residents.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s bill to guarantee attorney’s fees to defendants in a home repair or remodeling contract has been signed into law.

“Homeowners deserve fair compensation and quality representation if they have a genuine dispute and receive a favorable ruling,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This law ensures a resident will have one less cost barrier to enforce their rights against a contractor.”

State law already required consumer contracts in cases under $10,000 to pay out attorney’s fees to a consumer if the consumer prevails in their action. This initiative will ensure that if a home repair and remodeling contract allows attorney’s fees, then the contract will permit the award of attorney’s fees to all parties in the contract.