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.”

SPRINGFIELD – April 18^th will now be considered Republic of Ireland Day and official events held on the day will be officially designated by the governor, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines).       

“It is important for us to show our respect for Irish-Americans’ history, culture and impact on our great state by designating events on Republic of Ireland Day,” Murphy said. “This measure will send a message to the Irish-American community that we appreciate their history and contributions to Illinois, and will continue to celebrate them for years to come.”

On April 18, 1949, Ireland officially declared itself independent from Great Britain. Therefore, this date is significant to many Irish-Americans, and many events and celebrations are held in its honor across the state.