SPRINGFIELD – Illinois now has new laws on the books to help battle the substitute teacher shortage, thanks to Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) supported measures that were signed into law Wednesday that makes it easier for qualified individuals to serve as substitute teachers.

“Our educators offer guidance and dedicate their lives to our children,” Hastings said. “These new laws help our substitute teachers serve as a lifeline when their usual teacher is absent. Putting an end to this shortage, will not only help our students but help lighten the workload for fellow educators who may have to step in when a substitute teacher cannot be found.”

The following measures were signed into law:

SPRINGFIELD – Paraprofessionals in schools help provide students with one-on-one or small group assistance and support teachers in the classroom. Thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago), more paraprofessionals will be able to get into classrooms earlier.

“With more than 2,000 unfilled teacher aid and paraprofessional positions, it’s critical we open the door to this profession to as many qualified candidates as possible,” Pacione-Zayas said. “By lowering the required age for this profession in some classrooms, we can help students get the individualized assistance they may need.”

The new law, formerly known as Senate Bill 3988, lowers the age for paraprofessionals in Pre-K through eighth grade classrooms to 18 years old. People applying for these positions must still meet all other qualifications, including education requirements and passing a paraprofessional competency test. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) championed two new laws to help address the ongoing statewide teacher shortage.

“Illinois, like everywhere else in the country, is facing challenges with recruiting and retaining teachers,” said Loughran Cappel, who attened the bill signing ceremony at Springfield High School in Springfield. “It was a struggle even before the pandemic hit, but now, finding someone to sub in when a teacher is out sick is even harder for Illinois schools.”

According to a survey by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools, 90% of Illinois schools are currently experiencing staffing shortages. Loughran Cappel’s law, originally House Bill 4246, will reduce the renewal fees for substitute teachers’ licenses to $50 instead of $500.

Governor signs groundbreaking, bipartisan tax relief plan led by Senate Democrats

CHICAGO – As the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus’ budget negotiators began conversations surrounding the plan for the upcoming fiscal year, one major item stood out – the sizeable surplus and the need to give back to Illinoisans who endured two years of financial strain.

The final budget – and the subsequent tax relief plan – prioritized working families, single parents and vulnerable communities. Illinoisans will begin to see relief as early as July 1, following Governor JB Pritzker’s signing of the proposals.

"We are continuing our practice of responsible budgeting while helping those who need help the most," said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). "Families are struggling, and I hope this budget provides them a bit of relief."

Read more.

Munoz bids farewell to Springfield

CHICAGO – After more than two decades serving the 1st Senate District, Assistant Majority Leader Antonio “Tony” Munoz (D-Chicago) will finish his career at the end of the 102nd General Assembly.

Growing up in the Pilsen and Little Village communities, Munoz knew he wanted to better the lives of his family and others at an early age.

“I was taught at a young age that hard work and determination is the key to success,” Munoz said. “I have applied this to everything I have accomplished, especially as a state senator.”

Read more.

Joyce proposal will maximize federal dollars for broadband expansion

SPRINGFIELD – A measure introduced by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) to increase Illinois’ ability to capture federal funding for broadband under the federal Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act was signed into law recently.

“Bringing access to internet to every citizen in Illinois is crucial,” Joyce said. “This initiative helps Illinois capture up to $1.6 billion in federal dollars to expand broadband services.”

Read more.

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois retailers will soon have a law on the books to help curb organized retail crime and hold ringleaders accountable, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort), serves as a chief-cosponsor of House Bill 1091, which cracks down on smash and grabs and targets the organizers of retail crime to help promote economic growth and give Illinois businesses the tools to hold perpetrators responsible.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) championed a newly signed law to ensure that when a teacher is found to have engaged in sexual misconduct with a student and seeks a teaching position at another school, that school would be made aware of the situation. 

“This law changes how incidents of sexual misconduct involving teachers are handled by school districts and the State Board of Education,” said Connor. “In the past, predatory teachers could hide behind the privacy protections of personnel records to go from one school district to the next and victimize more children.”

Senator Munoz announces he will retire after his term as Illinois State Senator 

CHICAGO – After more than two decades serving the 1^st Senate District, Assistant Majority Leader Antonio “Tony” Munoz (D-Chicago) will finish his career at the end of the 102^nd General Assembly.

Growing up in the Pilsen and Little Village communities, Munoz knew he wanted to better the lives of his family and others at an early age.

“I was taught at a young age that hard work and determination is the key to success,” Munoz said. “I have applied this to everything I have accomplished, especially as a state senator.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) stood alongside Governor JB Pritzker and others Monday to announce a $3 million investment in HIRE360’s new training and development center in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood.

It previously received $550,000 in funding through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

“Earlier this year, I was happy to see HIRE360 receive half a million dollars in much-needed investments to supplement their pre-apprenticeship program needs. Today, I am ecstatic for the $3 million in additional funding toward a brand new training and development center,” Hunter said. “This amazing investment not only supports our organizations and workers, but our local economy as well.”