CHICAGO – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) joined the Senate Education and Higher Education Committees for a hearing focused on student support services reforms, teacher reforms and developmental education reforms for Illinois college students.

Wednesday’s hearing was the seventh hearing dedicated to education and workforce development, the second pillar of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ agenda to rid Illinois of systemic racism.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous effect on college students and their mental health,” Lightford said. “It’s a necessity for students to have access to support services that keep them engaged and connected with other students, make them feel welcome and ease emotional stress. Colleges must ensure as many students as possible are receiving this assistance.”

Senate hearing reveals need for more teacher training, easier access to scholarships to close racial gap in profession

SPRINGFIELD – Teachers in Illinois have increasingly come to look like just one demographic, and it’s ultimately bad for all students in general and students of color in particular, according to just one line of testimony at a joint meeting of the Illinois Senate Education and Higher Education Committees Wednesday.

Illinois Higher Education Committee Chair Pat McGuire and Senate Education Committee Chair Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant led the committee, which met virtually.

John Cusick, Legislative Director of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, said teachers see a direct connection between educator preparation and the effort to address systemic racism. Cynthia Riseman Lund, also with IFT, said teacher diversity in Illinois has gotten less racially and ethnically diverse, and more female, a development which has lead to an adverse effect on students, including male students of color.

Testimony at the virtual hearing Wednesday also focused on how access to scholarships and aid for prospective teachers contributes to their ability to finish college and enter the teaching profession. 

The hearing also focused on why the performance gap between white students and students of color persists. Partnership for College Completion’s Kyle Westbrook said Illinois community colleges still have wide completion rate disparities between Black and Latinx students and white peers, and that colleges are more likely to place Black and Latinx students into developmental education, where students are less likely to graduate.

“Today's testimony revealed a dreadful cycle. A paucity of Black male teachers restrains student achievement, yet Black males seeking to become teachers encounter many impediments in pursuit of a teaching degree. Thank goodness we learned today that there are remedies. Our task now is to put them in place,” McGuire said.

DES PLAINES – With stricter mitigation measures now in effect in suburban Cook County, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is reminding business owners to apply for available aid through the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program.

“The majority of our small businesses are doing the right thing and following health and safety guidelines, and we need to lift up those establishments to ensure they can survive these tough times,” said Murphy. “They need support, both from the state and from the community, to keep them afloat. The BIG program is one crucial resource to help our local businesses cope with losses.”

Applications for the second round of the BIG program are available now and will offer $220 million in funds for small businesses hit hardest by the ongoing pandemic.

The second wave of funds from BIG aims to provide relief for all types of small businesses, with a focus on heavily distressed industries and businesses located in disproportionately impacted areas. Application information for the second round of funds and can be found here.

Murphy also encourages residents to support the local restaurants and businesses working hard to keep customers and staff safe.

“With the holiday season approaching, there are many ways to lend a hand to our small business community,” said Murphy. “Order carryout, purchase a gift card or leave a local business a positive review online to give them a boost.”

CHICAGO – To brainstorm how to bring diversity to labor unions, Senate Labor Committee Chair Omar Aquino, Executive Committee Chair Mattie Hunter and Commerce and Economic Development Committee Chair Suzy Glowiak Hilton will lead a joint hearing Thursday afternoon.

“Illinois is home of a diverse population. Four out of 10 residents are people of color. Just like everybody else, these workers pursue the means to support their families and execute their jobs under safe conditions,” Aquino said. “Unions are the backbone of a proper labor representation. That’s why I look forward to working with them in expanding opportunities for our workforce. The pre-apprenticeship programs are a great asset to offer job training and gather real-life experience, both elements key for finding a well-paying job.”

BUFFALO GROVE – Following increased COVID-19 restrictions throughout Lake County and the surrounding area, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is reminding local businesses of priority funding assistance through the second round of Business Interruption Grants.

“Small businesses – be it a restaurant or boutique – bolster our local economy and are in need of financial assistance – both through grants and from community support,” Johnson said. “Businesses in our area will be given priority funding due to increased mitigation efforts set forth by the Illinois Department of Public Health, so I encourage them to apply immediately.”

The BIG Program has allocated $220 million in the second round for local businesses to help them stay afloat through this time of crisis and ensure they have the resources to open safely in the coming months. Priority will be given to businesses located in areas that have increased mitigation.

BIG funds may be used to help businesses cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic. Priority funding is given to any business located in an area that has stricter COVID-19 rules under the order of the Illinois Department of Public Health.

During its first round of funding earlier this year, the program granted more than $49 million to small businesses across the state.

Applications can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website alongside a full list of criteria.

Additionally, Johnson urges anyone willing and able to shop small this holiday season to support these businesses. Supporting local can be as simple as buying a gift card for a friend, leaving a positive review online or ordering takeout from a favorite restaurant.

GRAYSLAKE – Following the announcement that Region 9 – which makes up Lake and McHenry Counties – will see increased COVID-19 restrictions, State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is reminding everyone the importance of the three Ws: wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance.

“Slowing the spread of COVID-19 is something we, as Illinoisans and Lake County residents, are familiar with and know how to do,” Bush said. “It’s important to continue our efforts to mask up, participate in common hygiene practices and not gather in large groups.”

GRAYSLAKE – State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) is urging Lake County residents to shop small this holiday season to support local businesses that have been struggling throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Small businesses are a part of our communities. They invest in our economy, employ our friends and neighbors and support local events,” Bush said. “It’s now our turn to support them and invest in all they have to offer.”

GLENVIEW – In response to increasing COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations in the region, stricter mitigation measures took effect in suburban Cook County this week, prompting State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) to remind business owners to apply for available aid and encourage residents to patronize small businesses.

“I’m as frustrated as anyone to see our region taking a step back, but these mitigations are necessary to keep our community safe,” Fine said. “Higher rates of COVID-19 mean a higher risk for everyone, including the elderly, those with underlying conditions and our health care workers. We owe it to them to do what we can to stop the upward trend of infections.”