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Access to high school coursework for middle schoolers expanded thanks to new Ellman legislation
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SPRINGFIELD – To ensure that more students can get ahead academically while maintaining strong instructional standards, State Senator Laura Ellman advanced House Bill 4239, which would expand access to high school-level coursework for seventh and eighth grade students.
“This is about removing confusion for schools and opening doors for students,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “By providing more clarity, we are helping districts confidently offer more opportunities that challenge students and support their long-term success.”
House Bill 4239 would clarify that middle school students may enroll in high school courses offered by the high school they would attend, so long as the course is taught by a properly licensed educator and can be taken at the student’s current school.
Hastings school safety measure “Alyssa’s Law” passes Senate
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SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is building on previous school safety legislation by passing a measure that would enable the use of mobile panic alert systems in Illinois schools. The bill seeks to provide schools with modern tools to quickly alert first responders in the event of a crisis.
“With the use of innovative technology we can equip students and staff with the tools they need to feel safe and prepared,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Mobile panic systems provide a direct silent link to 911 dispatch and trigger a multi-sensory campus-wide notification in seconds.”
House Bill 5107 would require school districts and private schools to consider the use of a mobile panic alert system in the development of their school emergency and crisis response plans by the beginning of the 2028-2029 school year.
Read more: Hastings school safety measure “Alyssa’s Law” passes Senate
Feigenholtz leads expansion of supported decision-making law
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SPRINGFIELD — Illinois would soon join a growing list of states that have expanded alternatives to traditional guardianship to maximize independence, thanks to legislation passed by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz.
“The goal is to prioritize an individual’s autonomy in making personal decisions about their own life. Everyone has a right to self-determination when it comes to important life decisions,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “By expanding this model of support, we are providing people with more control over their own decision-making.”
A supported decision-making agreement allows an individual to identify a supporter to help them interpret information, weigh options, and communicate their decisions about health care, life choices, and financial matters. This unique model fosters confidence and supports people’s ability to make informed decisions while maintaining autonomy.
Read more: Feigenholtz leads expansion of supported decision-making law
Senate Democrats advocate for expanded resource access for residents awaiting trial
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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Senate Democrats joined the Illinois Network for Pretrial Fairness at a press conference at the State Capitol on Thursday to advocate for Senate Bill 4074, a measure that would help address the root causes of incarceration and prevent recidivism by providing individuals awaiting trial with access to essential social and community services.
“The Pretrial Success Grant Program puts resources directly into the communities where they're needed. It connects people released pretrial with system navigation, mental health and substance use services, transportation to court and child care,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago). “These are practical tools that help people show up, stay stable and move forward”
Senate Bill 4074 would allocate $15 million to the Illinois Department of Human Services to support funding the Pretrial Success Grant Program. The PSGP is a community-based network of care intended to help individuals awaiting trial navigate the legal system and obtain access to critical services like transportation, child care, mental health care, case management and substance use assessment and treatment.
Read more: Senate Democrats advocate for expanded resource access for residents awaiting trial
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Member News
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Collins applauds new jobs coming to the 5th District through Mars Snacking expansion
CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins is applauding a new investment from Mars Snacking that will bring jobs and economic growth to the 5th District, strengthening the local economy and creating new opportunities for working families. “This investm... -
Simmons champions legislation to protect SNAP recipients from fraud and to establish payday advance services regulation
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons held a press conference Wednesday with Senate colleagues to champion legislation he has filed to protect SNAP recipients from fraud as well as regulate payday advance services. “My colleagues and I are determi... -
Sims announces substantial investment for Pullman Historic District redevelopment
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 redeve... -
Ellman commemorates opening of new Philip J. Rock Center and School facility for deaf-blind students
GLEN ELLYN — State Senator Laura Ellman joined local, state and community leaders to celebrate the grand opening of the new Philip J. Rock Center and School, the nation’s only publicly-funded residential school dedicated to serving students who are d... -
Turner declares Aug. 4 as Eva Carroll Monroe Day
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner presented a resolution to recognize and honor the contributions of Eva Carroll Monroe. “Eva Carroll Monroe was a trailblazer in child welfare, opening her door for Black children,” said Turner (D-Springfield)...
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