SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to bring missing persons suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia home safely, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) moved a resolution out of the Senate State Government Committee Wednesday urging increased use of Silver Search programs.
“Effectively using Silver Search programs can play a vital role in locating a missing loved one,” Loughran Cappel said. “It is crucial to take advantage of every resource we have at our disposal.”
SPRINGFIELD – A steadfast supporter of keeping tobacco out of the hands of children, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) passed the Preventing Youth Vaping Act through committee Wednesday.
“Vaping- and e-cigarette-related deaths and illnesses have become a nationwide outbreak that no user is immune to — no matter how young they are,” Morrison said. “We were doing so well on changing the culture of smoking, and now we have gone backward — especially the younger generation.”
Read more: Morrison’s “Preventing Youth Vaping Act” passes committee
SPRINGFIELD – Responding to a crucial need for hundreds more early childhood educators in the coming years, State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) passed a plan out of the Senate Higher Education Committee Tuesday to provide new college degrees and an easier path to training for those already working in the field.
“This is not just about providing a brighter future for our kids, but also the people who are already working so hard to help them learn and grow,” Pacione-Zayas said. “We know that high quality early care and education is key to helping our children realize their full potential. We need to remove barriers by expanding access and affordability in this field to show support for the workforce that cares and educates our youngest while families work and pursue educational goals.”
Read more: Pacione-Zayas plan to train more early childhood educators passes Senate committee
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) has advanced an initiative to allow families to use funds from qualified tuition plans to cover the cost of K-12 tuition and apprenticeship supplies, bringing Illinois on par with neighboring states.
“Twenty-two states—including several of our bordering states like Missouri, Iowa and Wisconsin—consider K-12 tuition and apprenticeship costs eligible expenses under qualified tuition plans,” Crowe said. “This initiative builds on Illinois’ commitment to give students the best opportunities by helping families afford K-12 education and job training.”
Read more: Crowe moves to make tuition more affordable for Illinois families
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