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."

SPRINGFIELD – Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) issued the following statement after the Senate passed a $1.9 trillion federal COVID relief package with aid for states and local governments:

“I am glad to see the Biden administration recognize the need states and local governments have for relief in the face of this unprecedented crisis.

CHAMPAIGN – As restaurants continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is reminding residents to support their local business owners by picking up takeout, ordering delivery or dining safely indoors at a nearby eatery.

“Even in the best of times, restaurants are tough businesses to operate, and the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating to our favorite restaurants,” Bennett said. “With more dining options available, I encourage you to dine locally this weekend and help businesses keep their doors open, lights on and staff paid.”

PLAINFIELD – To give local students the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in the state capitol, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) launched an art contest.

“As a freshman legislator, the process of decorating my office in Springfield is ongoing, but it won’t be complete without a few pieces of home,” Loughran Cappel said. “It is my hope that this contest will inspire local students to showcase their talent and creativity.” 

This art competition is open to all students in the 49^th Legislative District, and will be divided into three categories: elementary, middle school and high school. All entries must include the student’s name, grade and school. Students can mail their artwork to 2009 S. Route 59, Plainfield, IL 60586. The deadline to submit an entry is May 15.

After entries have been received, they will be narrowed down to the top three pieces in each category. Loughran Cappel will then post a poll on her official Facebook account, where students and residents will be able to choose the winners. The poll will close May 25 at 5 p.m. and the winners will be announced shortly after. The winners will have their work displayed in Loughran Cappel’s Springfield office for the next year.

For questions related to the art contest, Loughran Cappel encourages residents to call her office at (815) 267-6119 or visit www.senatorloughrancappel.com to submit questions via email.