SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s bill to allow retired teachers to work additional paid hours as substitutes in order to address the statewide teacher shortage passed committee Tuesday.

“Illinois schools need more teachers and more substitute teachers. Allowing retired teachers to continue to work more substitution hours gives the support our education system needs,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “If we are going to solve the teacher shortage we will need creative solutions, this legislation represents one of them.”

Senate Bill 2953 would extend the sunset of a provision that allows retired teachers to work up to 120 days or 600 paid hours as a substitute teacher without impacting their retirement status – in turn addressing the substitute teacher shortage across the state.

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford knows what it takes to be a caregiver for a senior after taking care of her mother for many years. Despite Lightford having the support and resources to care for her mother, it was incredibly difficult to do so.

She acknowledges not everyone has the same support, and therefore face even more struggles – leading her to fight for more revenue for older adults and their caregivers.

“I know what it means to rearrange your life around someone you love, managing medications, doctor’s visits and sleepless nights,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “I know what it is like to show up every day – not because someone is paying you, but because you love the person. And I know what it means to do all of that while stretching a budget that was already too thin.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce advanced a measure that would ensure county coroners and medical examiners are able to receive mental health counseling if needed. 

“Our local coroners and medical examiners have the responsibility of examining the scenes of death and determining the circumstances,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “These can be some disturbing scenes for anyone to witness.”

Senate Bill 2770 would add coroners, deputy coroners, county medical examiners and deputy county medical examiners to the definition of first responders for the purpose of providing them mental health counseling without any cost-sharing.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate observed Wear Red Day at the Capitol Wednesday to raise awareness for women’s heart health.

“A lack of adequate funding, research and testing in health care has left women particularly vulnerable to cardiovascular disease, which is too often fatal,” said State Senator Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet). “Wear Red Day is part of a critical effort to raise awareness about this issue, inform women about the signs and symptoms of heart disease, and save lives by promoting early detection and preventative treatment.”

February was made American Heart Month for the first time in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson and National Wear Red Day was first established in 2002 to emphasize the prevalence of heart disease and stroke particularly in women. 

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Adriane Johnson is spearheading legislation to expand continuing education opportunities for health care professionals by allowing coursework on perimenopause and menopause to count toward Illinois’ required implicit bias awareness training.

“Women’s health — particularly during perimenopause and menopause — has too often been overlooked or dismissed,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This legislation ensures providers can deepen their understanding of these life stages while still meeting continuing education requirements. It’s a practical step toward more responsive, patient-centered care.”

Senate Bill 3325 would permit a course covering perimenopause and menopause to satisfy the existing one-hour implicit bias awareness requirement for licensed health care professionals. Under current law, licensed health care professionals must complete at least one hour of continuing education on implicit bias awareness during each license renewal period. Failure to complete the training may result in license renewal issues or suspension.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Steve Stadelman called a press conference Wednesday to outline critical legislation designed to eliminate gaps in protection that would leave survivors of domestic violence and stalking without enforceable safeguards.

“This bill was inspired by a courageous constituent who came forward to share her story. Her experience underscores why we must constantly review our laws to ensure they truly protect those they are meant to serve,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This measure guarantees continued protections for victims and strengthens accountability for those who violate court orders.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake) is championing a new measure to help more students earn their associate degrees by making it easier to transfer credits back to community colleges at no cost.

Senate Bill 3720 would expand reverse credit transfer so eligible students can earn an associate degree automatically once they reach 60 combined credit hours. The bill also would ensure that students are not charged any fees related to the reverse transfer process.

“Students work hard to earn every credit, and they deserve the opportunity to have that progress recognized,” said Edly-Allen. “This legislation helps remove unnecessary barriers so more students can earn a credential that strengthens their career opportunities and supports their long-term success.”

CHICAGO – Underscoring the state’s commitment to preserving and elevating sites that honor Black leadership, economic progress and cultural resilience, State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. helped announce a transformative partnership to restore and redevelop the historic Hotel Florence – along with other key buildings – within the Pullman State Historic Site on Chicago’s South Side.

“I am incredibly proud to be from and represent the Pullman community,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago), who also represents the Pullman Historic District. “This forward-thinking partnership is not only a direct result of our responsible, community-centered budgeting efforts — it’s a momentous opportunity that will breathe new life into the Hotel Florence, transform the Pullman Historic Site and strengthen our broader community.”