Gillespie celebrates increase in skilled job training enrollment

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) celebrated the Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBE) announcement that career and technical education (CTE) enrollment has increased.

Citing the first funding increase to CTE programs in over five years, ISBE announced that CTE enrollment has increased by nearly 5,000 students since 2016. Gillespie says it is vital to train more Illinois workers for in-demand, specialized jobs.

“Career and technical education programs offer an affordable alternative to higher education that train students with tangible, hands-on work skills,” Gillespie said. “Increased investments in workforce development will prepare young people for success and ensure that employers have an educated workforce with the skills necessary for their respective industries.”

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New Martinez sponsored law has revoked nearly 50 Illinois teacher licenses

Educators charged with sex crimes, violent felonies or certain drug offenses

SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Majority Leader Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) issued the following statement today after the Illinois State Board of Education announced information documenting the success of her law to help protect CPS students from sexual predators and criminals:

“When the media publicized the number of sexual violence reports in Chicago Public Schools last year, we knew something had to be done. It’s humbling to know my law is already making a difference only two months after being signed. Misconduct from school employees will not be tolerated. No child should feel afraid or threatened while in their classroom.”

Read more: New Martinez sponsored law has revoked nearly 50 Illinois teacher licenses

Manar welcomes Solar Car champs from Pana High School

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) welcomed the 2019 Pana Solar Car Team to the Illinois State Capitol today to showcase their car and be recognized before the Illinois Senate.

After months of designing and building a roadworthy solar-powered car, the from Pana High School captured a national championship at the 2019 Solar Car Challenge this summer at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. Led by senior Lucas Duduit, the rest of the four-member team consisted of sophomores Boone Elledge, Jessica Pollman and Katelyn Townsend.

“This team exemplifies just how remarkable and innovative our students can be when given the appropriate tech resources and instruction,” Manar said. “It’s my privilege to welcome them to the Senate.”

Manar presented each member of the team with a congratulatory certificate for their success as national champions on behalf of the Illinois Senate.

Link passes measures to ban public use of e-cigarettes

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Terry Link (D-Indian Creek) that would ban public consumption of e-cigarettes passed the Illinois state Senate Tuesday.

“It’s only fair that we treat these products the same way we treat cigarettes,” Link said. “It’s still unclear what the health effects of these devices are and people shouldn’t be forced to be exposed to them in public places if they don’t want to.”

According to the Centers on Disease Control and Prevention, there have been more than 1,600 cases of vaping-related ailments reported, including 34 deaths across 24 states.

Senate Bill 1864 would expand the Smoke Free Illinois Act by prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes and other alternative nicotine products in public places, places of employment and within 15 feet of building entrances.

The measure could also help curb youth-cigarette use.

Read more: Link passes measures to ban public use of e-cigarettes