CHICAGO — Members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC) celebrated the signing of a new law to help combat racial inequities in education, provide better pathways to success for students and strengthen the state’s workforce.

“For too long, Black students have been left behind and denied the same path to success that others have been able to experience,” ILBC Joint Caucus Chair state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, said. “With a focus on combatting racial inequity and providing equal opportunities for students to succeed, we can build a stronger Illinois for all families.”

Cunningham measure extending workers' comp protections signed into law

SPRINGFIELD — During the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic last spring, the Illinois General Assembly passed a law offering additional workers’ compensation protections to first responders and essential workers. Last week, the governor signed State Senator Bill Cunningham’s measure to extend those protections by six months.

The law allows essential workers and first responders to file for workers’ compensation benefits if they contract COVID-19 during the course of their employment – providing them with additional economic support while they recover from the illness. Employers have an opportunity to rebut workers’ claims by demonstrating they followed all applicable public health guidelines.

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Morrison: Voting disparities among people with disabilities is a very real issue

SPRINGFIELD — Although a record number of people cast their votes by mail in the 2020 General Election, not every registered voter had the privilege to practice their civic duty. Voters with limited manual dexterity or visual impairments – among other disabilities – may not be able to fill out paper ballots by hand, limiting their ability to vote remotely.

To give every person the same opportunity to cast their ballot from the comfort of their home, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is spearheading a measure to provide more accessible remote ballots.

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Martwick: ACA insurance enrollment open in response to COVID-19

CHICAGO — State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) is promoting the reopening of the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace during a Special Enrollment Period set up in response to COVID-19, allowing individuals and families to apply for and enroll in 2021 health insurance coverage.

“Health insurance should not be something you have to worry about during a pandemic,” Martwick said. “Take advantage of this enrollment window if you or your family have lost coverage.”

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Belt highlights state plan to expand vaccine access across St. Clair County

CENTREVILLE — As Illinois’ vaccination efforts continue, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is highlighting a state partnership with Touchette Regional Hospital to ensure equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine in St. Clair County.

“My top priority always has been, and will continue to be, the assurance that the underserved communities in the 57th District have access to this vaccine,” Belt said. “The partnership with Touchette Hospital will not only provide that access, but also the trust needed to reduce residents’ reluctance to receive the vaccine.”

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CHICAGO – Illinois students will see increased minority representation under a new law supported by State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago).

“Education is the foundation for so many aspects of how we view ourselves and the world around us, and it is vital that the curriculum is updated to be as well-rounded, inclusive and accurate as can be,” Van Pelt said. “I am happy to see that the initiatives of the Legislative Black Caucus will soon be implemented.”

During January’s session, Van Pelt voted to pass House Bill 2170, which will reform Illinois’ education system in an effort to eliminate systemic racism.

The legislation creates an Inclusive American History Commission to reform the curriculum around marginalized groups in American history, including people who were Black, Latinx, women, LGBTQ, Jewish and more.

The legislation also updates high school curriculums to require two years of laboratory science and a foreign language—or sign language—to graduate high school, ensuring schools in every community offer the courses students need to pursue secondary education.

Students seeking a secondary degree will benefit from changes to the matching requirement for AIM High scholarships, which makes it easier for students at less well-funded schools to secure financial assistance.

“Every student deserves the same opportunities when applying for higher education, regardless of region or zip code,” Van Pelt said. “There is so much work to be done to ensure equity in the Illinois education system, but now we are one step closer to a system that is fair to all students.”

This legislation is effective immediately.

ROCKFORD – Each year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources selects schools across the state to receive grants for field trips. This year, Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is congratulating Cherry Valley Elementary School’s 3rd grade class on being selected as a winner.

“This Biodiversity Grant Program provides an excellent chance for students to expand their education outside of the classroom,” Stadelman said. “I’m pleased that the students at Cherry Valley Elementary School were chosen for this great opportunity.”

The program allows schools to take students to state parks, museums, and other natural resource locations to gain hands-on experience with nature and conservation in Illinois.

Four classes selected for the grant will take a trip to Severson Dells Nature Center, which hosts environmental education courses in the 369-acre Severson Dells Forest Preserve. At the center, students have the opportunity to see first-hand some of what they are learning about in the classroom and expand their knowledge of Illinois and its natural resources.

More information about the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program is available from the IDNR Division of Education at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 217-524-4126. The 2022 application form will be available at https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/education/Pages/GrantsIBFTG.aspx.

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) supported a new law that will radically transform the state’s education system, starting with a more inclusive history curriculum.

“I am happy that yet another piece of the Black Caucus agenda has been signed into law,” Hunter said. “My colleagues worked long and hard to come up with a plan that would help dismantle the institutional racism in our state – and education will be a large component of that.”

House Bill 2170 expands the Black history curriculum in K-12 schools, ensuring that history will be taught through a diverse and inclusive lens. An Inclusive American History Commission will be established to make sure other minority groups have more accurate representation in history courses as well.

Other provisions of this legislation include changes matching requirement for AIM Scholarships, teacher training, early childhood program eligibility and COVID-19 recovery. 

“I am pleased the state is making education more inclusive from increasing the availability of early childhood mental consultations, to finding more equitable ways to fund higher education,” Hunter said. “A deep change was needed, and I believe this will change the trajectory of young Illinoisans’ lives.”

Education reform is one pillar in the four-part agenda set forth by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, which also includes criminal justice reform; economic access, equity and opportunity; and health care and human services. Hunter will be hosting a virtual town hall to break down all four pillars next Monday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m. on her Facebook Live.

COLLINSVILLE – With Cahokia Mounds Interpretive Center once again open to visitors, State Senator Chris Belt (D-Centreville) is encouraging residents to reserve an appointment before visiting the center.

“Cahokia Mounds is a historic staple of the Metro East and St. Louis area,” Belt said. “With spring just around the corner, now is a perfect time to plan a safe trip to one of the area’s oldest attractions.”

The Cahokia Mounds Museum Society is a not-for-profit organization created in 1976 to support the historic site. Within the more than 2,000-acre site lies the preserved archaeological remains of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico.

Often referred to as the Cahokia Mounds Museum, the Interpretive Center highlights the archaeological and anthropological research that has taken place since the site’s discovery, with the goal of informing and educating the public through its exhibits, programs and special events.

“If you haven’t visited Cahokia Mounds, you’re missing out,” Belt said. “We have the remains of an ancient civilization right here in our backyard, not many people can say that. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes. You will do a lot a walking when you visit.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources operated site is located 7 miles from East St. Louis in Collinsville and is open seven days a week from dawn until dusk.

Visitors should call 618-346-5160 to schedule an appointment time for free admission to the site’s Interpretive Center.  Appointment times are available each Thursday through Sunday beginning at 9 a.m. with the last appointment time at 4 p.m.

For additional facts and information on the state historic site, visit cahokiamounds.org.

SPRINGFIELD – A hospitality package sponsored by Senator Sara Feigenholtz that seeks to provide immediate relief and help manage cash flow for struggling bars and restaurants passed out of the Senate Tourism and Hospitality committee.

“Every day, another restaurant and bar closes its doors,” Feigenholtz said. “Any lever we can pull to keep cash flowing and doors open for our independent restaurants and bars must be a priority. I am eager to see this legislation make its way through the Senate so we can provide immediate relief to our struggling hospitality industry.”

New law aims to rid Illinois’ education system of systemic racism

MAYWOOD – As part of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ plan to rid Illinois of systemic racism, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) joined Governor J.B Pritzker as he signed House Bill 2170, the Education and Workforce Development Pillar she sponsored, on Monday.

"House Bill 2170 is a step toward ridding Illinois of the damaging policies and procedures built into our state's systems of law and government that have created deep inequities and opportunity gaps in education for Black students," Lightford said. "It's time for our children to accelerate their education throughout the duration of their careers, from early learning to prestigious universities, followed by successful careers. I’m humbled to have led this effort and look forward to continuing to fight to ensure fairness and equality in Illinois for all our state’s residents."