CHICAGO — National Louis University will help expand the state’s pool of early childhood providers and increase faculty diversity in the field thanks to an Early Childhood Faculty Preparation Grant, State Senator Mattie Hunter announced Monday.

“By supporting the development of a diverse and well-prepared early childhood faculty, we are investing in the future success of our children and communities,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “I am thrilled to see National Louis University receive this funding to help students pursue their passion for teaching while filling a need in our state.”

The Illinois Board of Higher Education awarded $3.37 million in Early Childhood Faculty Preparation grants to four universities — including $1,191,511 to National Louis University — to implement programs of study for working adults from diverse backgrounds and those who work with diverse populations interested in becoming early childhood faculty. The grants will fund scholarships and other academic and holistic supports for 78 students to earn master’s degrees.

“This grant is an important step forward in ensuring all children in Illinois have access to high-quality education early on,” said Hunter. “Our education system relies on a pipeline of diverse faculty to support it, and these scholarships will help reduce the burden on those seeking to join the profession.”

The Early Childhood Faculty Preparation Grants are a part of the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity initiative, a key strategy in A Thriving Illinois, the state’s strategic plan for higher education. Those who enroll in the programs are expected to graduate by the summer of 2024.

ROMEOVILLE – State Senator Rachel Ventura commended the $358,390 grant awarded to Lewis University to expand the state’s pool of early childhood providers and increase faculty diversity in the field.

“Early childhood education is crucial to preparing kids for a bright future,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Having a more diverse faculty in place ensures that all the children of Illinois can relate and feel comfortable by those looking over and teaching them.”

The Illinois Board of Higher Education awarded $3.37 million in Early Childhood Faculty Preparation grants to four universities — including $358,390 to Lewis University — to implement programs of study for working adults from diverse backgrounds and those who work with diverse populations interested in becoming early childhood faculty.

The grants will fund scholarships and other academic and holistic supports for 78 students to earn master’s degrees.

“This grant expands the state’s goal of having high quality education across the board,” said Ventura. “I congratulate Lewis University on working toward a more well-rounded and diverse group of educators.”

The Early Childhood Faculty Preparation Grants are a part of the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity initiative, a key strategy in A Thriving Illinois, the state’s strategic plan for higher education. Those who enroll in the programs are expected to graduate by the summer of 2024.

Villanueva: We must protect patients from deceptive, misleading reproductive health

SPRINGFIELD – Taking another leap toward enshrining safe and secure access to reproductive health care, State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a measure to end deceptive and misleading practices at crisis pregnancy centers.

“There is a war on people’s ability to make informed decisions about their reproductive health care,” said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Workers at crisis pregnancy centers should not be able to deceptively mislead women into making decisions that aren’t the best for them or their futures. When you go to the doctor and someone appears to be medical staff, you trust they are medical staff. You trust your ability to make autonomous, informed, evidence-based decisions. Reproductive health care should be no different.”

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Feigenholtz partners with new Behavioral Health Officer to remove barriers for children with behavioral and mental health challenges

SPRINGFIELD – Families of children with behavioral health challenges that require mental health assistance have faced multiple barriers when seeking mental health assistance.

Working alongside Dr. Dana Weiner, the governor’s newly appointed Children's Behavioral Health Officer, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz championed Senate Bill 724, which defines the Interagency Children’s Behavioral Health Services Act and lays out a roadmap to finally get children the help they need.

“The importance of this roadmap to appropriate treatment cannot be overstated,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “This work is transformative and will be a game changer for children's behavioral health in Illinois.”

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Belt initiative to tackle food deserts clears Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure through the Senate to tackle the increasing number of food deserts in Illinois.

“People should be able to have easy access to healthy and affordable food at all times,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “By providing financial assistance to grocery stores, we can incentivize the establishment and expansion of stores in areas that are considered food deserts.”

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Chicago Elected Representative School Board Hearing Information

The Illinois State Senate has launched an online map making portal to encourage public participation in the creation of the new Chicago elected school board districts.

This is the start of a new and exciting era in community-led education to empower parents and loved ones to decide what is best for their children and loved ones.

Our caucus has convened a Special Committee on the Chicago Elected Representative School Board to conduct citywide hearings throughout April.

Here is the Special Committee on the Chicago Elected Representative School Board hearing schedule:

• April 12, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, IL 60630
• April 13, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th Street, Chicago, IL 60608
• April 17, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Virtual Hearing

We want to hear from you – click here to help identify communities of interest.

Residents may also view submissions from your neighbors – click here to view submissions.

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MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Cristina Castro, Elgin: Changes to Illinois community colleges’ credit transfer to help students graduate faster | WCIA

Senator Dave Koehler, Peoria: Illinois legislature works to outlaw ‘fertility fraud’ | WCIA

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Senator Robert Peters, Chicago: Bill ending juvenile court fines, fees passes Senate vote | State Journal-Register

Copyright 2023 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Paul Faraci joined Governor JB Pritzker on a visit to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to highlight future investments in higher education.

“College affordability is an issue that affects parents all across the state,” said State Senator Paul Faraci, (D-Champaign). “As a father to a 17-year-old daughter, I believe that the proposed funding increase to higher education will provide financial security to many families and allow more children to further their education right here in Illinois.”

Faraci is supporting an increase in MAP Grant Funding in the governor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2024 budget, which would help ensure every student who wants to go to college has an affordable path to do so. Pursuing higher education degrees would become more attainable if the $100 million investment into the MAP Grant Program is made.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner joined Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Transportation and local officials in the announcement of a new $68.3 million underpass at Madison and Jefferson streets in Springfield. This is the latest landmark for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, which will separate railroad tracks from regular vehicle traffic to reduce congestion and delays, improve safety, provide better access for bikes and pedestrians, cut down on emergency response times and enhance local quality of life.

“Congestion in downtown Springfield can be hectic, especially when the train crosses right through town during peak traffic hours,” said Turner (D-Springfield), who helped make the Springfield Rail Improvements Project possible. “Emergency vehicles have been delayed getting to and from the medical district, increasing the wait time when residents need medical assistance. This investment not only uplifts the city, but also takes into account the safety, livability and development of Springfield for years to come.”

SPRINGFIELD – When Bloomington resident Curt Richardson got his DNA test results back from Ancestry.com, his life – and those of his parents – changed forever when they learned they had been victims of fertility fraud.

Richardson’s story is similar to hundreds of others across the state and nation who have lived most of their lives thinking the very people who raised them were their biological parents. State Senator Dave Koehler is working to bring awareness to fertility fraud and provide justice to the families who fall victim to the heinous act.

“Fertility fraud is an issue that has been overlooked for far too long,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “This is a horrible practice that has gone unpunished. Illinois needs to join other states in taking a stand for those who have been affected by this horrendous act.”

Murphy measure to cap insulin at $35 passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy passed a measure through the Senate that would ensure that Illinoisans in need of insulin have affordable access to the life-saving medicine by capping the price at $35.

“Too many lives have been lost because they could not afford the rising costs of insulin,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “No family should need to choose between purchasing medication or putting food on their table.”

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Senators Villivalam, Pacione-Zayas announce child care agenda

SPRINGFIELD – One in three families across the nation struggle to connect with affordable and accessible child care – an all-too-common issue millions of Illinoisans face. State Senators Ram Villivalam and Cristina Pacione-Zayas outlined their child care agenda to combat low worker wages and expand eligibility at a press conference last week.

“Working families deserve access to quality, affordable child care to ensure their children are in a safe, learning environment,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “We also must ensure that our child care providers have a livable wage, the best working conditions, and great benefits. They deserve nothing less and they certainly should not be working in poverty.”

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Simmons bill to increase youth access to mental health care passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – To increase the availability and accessibility of mental health resources for students, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced an initiative out of the Senate last week.

“Mental health has become a leading concern for parents and children today, yet there are still gaps in mental health care,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This legislation will help to support youth, their families, and schools by providing support, access and resources so students can find mental health care while they are at school.”

Read more.

Chicago Elected Representative School Board Hearing Information

The Illinois State Senate has launched an online map making portal to encourage public participation in the creation of the new Chicago elected school board districts.

This is the start of a new and exciting era in community-led education to empower parents and loved ones to decide what is best for their children and loved ones.

Our caucus has convened a Special Committee on the Chicago Elected Representative School Board to conduct citywide hearings throughout April.

Here is the Special Committee on the Chicago Elected Representative School Board hearing schedule:

• April 5, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., George Westinghouse College Prep, 3223 W. Franklin Blvd., Chicago, IL 60624
• April 6, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Imani Village, 901 E. 95th St., Chicago, IL 60619
• April 12, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, IL 60630
• April 13, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th Street, Chicago, IL 60608
• April 17, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Virtual Hearing

We want to hear from you – click here to help identify communities of interest.

Residents may also view submissions from your neighbors – click here to view submissions.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Bill Cunningham, Chicago: Cunningham mental health for law enforcement bill passes Senate | The Beverly Review

Senator Sara Feigenholtz, Chicago: Illinois Senate passes electric vehicle charging expansion plan | WAND

Leader Kimberly A. Lightford, Maywood: Education legislation takes center stage in General Assembly | State Journal-Register

Copyright 2023 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

SPRINGFIELD – As a longstanding advocate for women’s reproductive rights, State Senator Linda Holmes was proud to be a cosponsor of Senator Celina Villanueva’s legislation to prohibit crisis pregnancy centers from providing misleading information to women seeking to learn about safe and legal options when they believe they are pregnant. That measure – Senate Bill 1909 – passed the Senate Friday.

“For years, we’ve seen facilities that call themselves ‘crisis pregnancy centers’ (CPCs) and present themselves to the public as health care clinics; in fact, they give vulnerable women information that is misleading and false,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “Instead of getting accurate, fact-based information with which they can consider all of their options, they are given unsafe advice, are literally misdirected away from clinics that provide inclusive reproductive health care and directed to a CPC with limited services, all of which exclude abortion procedures.”

Senate Bill 1909 prohibits CPCs from hindering a woman from gaining access to a provider of abortion or emergency contraceptives and persuading them instead into their clinics with limited services and counseling that discourages their access to abortion and misstates risks. This would also cover their advertising and promotional materials.

“The majority of Americans support women’s bodily autonomy in choosing what happens with their health,” Holmes said. “Abortion is legal and protected in Illinois; I will continue to stand up for reproductive care without interference by deceptive facilities.”

Senate Bill 1909 passed the Senate Friday. It now moves to the House for their consideration.