SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner’s (D-Springfield) effort to make agricultural sciences courses count toward Illinois university admissions requirements passed the Senate unanimously last week.

“The goal here is to highlight the importance of agricultural studies,” said Turner. “Our current curricula did not reflect that by excluding it from courses that count toward the three required years of sciences, and may have deterred some students from pursuing those studies.”

Currently, the minimum requirements to gain admission to state universities include the completion of at least 15 units of high school coursework in the following subjects: English, Social studies, Mathematics, (Laboratory) Sciences and electives in either foreign language, music, vocational education, or art.

SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora)’s measure to add more safeguards in the courts for abused animals has passed the Illinois Senate.

The Senate passed Senate Bill 153, which would give trial courts discretion in prosecutions for cruelty to companion animals to appoint a supervised law student to assist the court as a special advocate.

“Animal abuse cases may end in dismissed charges or reduced sentences for animal owners accused of cruelty, often because prosecutors have good intentions but not enough resources for research and information to make a strong case,” Holmes said. “These advocates can aid the courts in working for consistent reinforcement of Illinois’ mandate to properly protect companion animals.”

Holmes also pointed out there is a well-documented cycle of violence between those who abuse humans and those who abuse animals. Domestic violence perpetrators have a history of animal cruelty in their pasts, as do murderers, so bringing animal abusers to justice could help save human lives.

“I’m very grateful to Jane McBride, Esq., President and Chief Executive Officer of Illinois Humane, who brought this bill to me,” Holmes said. “She did a lot of work getting this crafted and edited to help it pass the Senate successfully.”

The law students, authorized to provide services under Supreme Court Rule 711, would be able to assist with legal research and technical assistance specific to the well-being of the subject animal, as well as help identify and select expert witnesses.

The law students would work without pay or cost to the court. As special advocates, they receive courtroom and investigatory experience.

The organizations advocating for Senate Bill 153 include Best Friends Animal Society, Illinois Humane, the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the Humane Society of the United States and the Animal Welfare Institute.  

Senate Bill 153 now moves to the House for further action.

DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) recently honored 507 Northwest Suburban high school students who were named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in approximately the top 10% of the state’s high school seniors from 676 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or unweighted GPA at the end of the student’s junior year. ISAC works in conjunction with the students’ high school guidance counselors to determine the winners.

“This generation of students has faced challenges many of us couldn’t have imagined,” Murphy said. “The most recent class of Illinois State Scholars—as well as their teachers, administrators and families—have shown unprecedented dedication and perseverance. Their hard work has made our community proud.”

The Scholars from the Northwest Suburbs include students from eight area high schools, including Elk Grove High School, J.B. Conant High School, Maine Township High School South, Maine Township High School West, Schaumburg Christian School, Schaumburg High School, Willows Academy and Lake Park West High School.

Recipients of the award will receive a congratulatory letter from ISAC, and a Certificate of Achievement will be sent to their high school. State Scholars will also receive a digital badge issued by ISAC that can be displayed on online profiles, exhibited on social media, and shared with prospective colleges and employers.

“With college and financial aid applications looming for many students, I hope this well-earned recognition will give them a boost,” Murphy said. “I look forward to watching our hardworking young neighbors succeed in the years to come.”

More information about the State Scholar program can be found at ISAC’s website.

CHAMPAGIN – As the construction season gets underway, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is recognizing Work Zone Awareness Week through Friday, April 30, and urges drivers to slow down and pay attention in work zones.

“Our road workers should be able to do their jobs safely, and this week serves as a reminder that we all must work together by following the rules of the road and staying alert when driving to prevent tragedies,” Bennett said. 

In 2019, the most recent year statistics are available, 842 people were killed and 39,100 injured in work zone crashes nationally. Illinois averages 6,400 crashes in work zones each year, resulting in 1,700 injuries and 34 deaths. More than 9 out of 10 deaths are someone other than a worker, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists.

“Seeing orange is a powerful reminder that all crashes, injuries and deaths, not just those in work zones, are almost always avoidable,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “We are grateful to the organizations that are taking part in this effort to ‘Go Orange’ and help IDOT and its partners drive the number of fatalities to the only acceptable number – zero.”

For more information on Work Zone Awareness Week, visit IDOT’s Work Zone page.

MARYVILLE – In honor of Work Zone Awareness Week, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) and State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) are commending highway workers, law enforcement and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for prioritizing safety in construction zones and encouraging motorists to stay alert.

“Millions of motorists depend on our state roadways for safe transportation every day. It’s important that drivers prioritize the well-being of the workers maintaining those roads,” Crowe said. “The brave individuals who endanger their lives to ensure safe roadway conditions deserve recognition during Illinois’ Work Zone Awareness Week.”

According to IDOT, Illinois averages 6,400 crashes in work zones each year, resulting in 1,700 injuries and 34 deaths annually.

Work Zone Awareness Week is highlighted in Illinois each spring. This year, the campaign takes place from April 26 through April 30.

“With St. Louis right across the river, the residents in my area heavily depend on safe and reliable bridges every single day,” Belt said. “I commend our roadway construction workers for the dangerous but essential work they do every day.”

More information is available on IDOT’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) recently honored 121 Rockford-area high school students who were named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in approximately the top 10% of the state’s high school seniors from 676 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or unweighted GPA at the end of the student’s junior year. ISAC works in conjunction with the students’ high school guidance counselors to determine the winners.

“I’m thrilled for and proud of these Rockford area students for earning this award,” Stadelman said. “Not only have these students performed exceptionally well, they did so during a global pandemic.”

PARK FOREST – To honor those who have died in work zones and to raise awareness for the safety of road workers, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging Illinoisans to “Go Orange” during Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, April 26-30, 2021.

“Too often, people are driving distracted and fail to see a crew member in a work zone,” Joyce said. “I urge drivers to be vigilant during Work Zone Safety Awareness Week and all year long when driving through a construction zone to protect the work crews on the road.”

In 2019, the most recent year statistics are available, 842 people were killed and 39,100 injured in work zone crashes nationally. Illinois averages 6,400 crashes in work zones each year, resulting in 1,700 injuries and 34 deaths. More than 9 out of 10 deaths are someone other than a worker, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists.

“Seeing orange is a powerful reminder that all crashes, injuries and deaths, not just those in work zones, are almost always avoidable,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “We are grateful to the organizations that are taking part in this effort to ‘Go Orange’ and help IDOT and its partners drive the number of fatalities to the only acceptable number – zero.”

For more information on Work Zone Awareness Week, visit IDOT’s Work Zone page.

HIGHWOOD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is congratulating dozens of students in the district she represents for being named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

“Despite the obstacles the COVID-19 pandemic brought forth, students across the state continued to work hard to make the most of the situation,” Morrison said. “Illinois State Scholar recipients have proven nothing can stand in their way toward a successful educational career.” 

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in approximately the top 10% of the state’s high school seniors from 676 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or unweighted GPA at the end of the student’s junior year. ISAC works in conjunction with the students’ high school guidance counselors to determine the winners.