Pacione-Zayas pushes for accessibility standards for remote learning
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SPRINGFIELD – To ensure that students with disabilities can count on consistent accessibility standards in their remote learning, State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas passed legislation in the Senate today requiring new statewide standards for web-based education.
"We need to learn from the challenges we've faced this past year, and acknowledge the reality that for many of our students, remote learning can be a major asset to their education if we make the effort to reasonably accommodate them," Pacione-Zayas said. "It's our duty to make these accommodations. I am gratified to see this pass the Senate."
The state's obligation to provide Free Appropriate Public Education to students with disabilities applies to almost 18% of Illinois students, Pacione-Zayas said. In light of remote learning challenges revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the likelihood remote learning will persist as a mode of education in the future, adopting consistent standards is key, she said.
Read more: Pacione-Zayas pushes for accessibility standards for remote learning
Glowiak Hilton proposal to aid local businesses clears Senate
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SPRINGFIELD – As businesses struggle to recover from pandemic-related financial hardship, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) advanced a measure through the Senate Thursday with bipartisan support to help ease the burden.
“When making plans for economic recovery after the pandemic, local governments are capable of deciding what is best for the community’s financial future,” Glowiak Hilton said. “To provide support where it’s needed most, this measure allows units of local government to determine where waiving fees would be beneficial to a struggling business.”
The proposal creates an option for counties and municipalities to waive licensing, permitting or registration fees for local businesses and services. To qualify, businesses must demonstrate financial need from the pandemic.
Read more: Glowiak Hilton proposal to aid local businesses clears Senate
Loughran Cappel plan to end early termination fees for deceased customers receives Senate approval
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SHOREWOOD – Legislation that would end the practice of burdening family members of deceased utility customers with early termination fees unanimously passed the Senate Wednesday.
State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is the lead Senate sponsor of the measure.
“Grieving families have enough on their plate without having to worry about being saddled with wrongful utility fees,” Loughran Cappel said. “Ending the practice of charging next of kin in the event of an untimely death is a simple solution that I am proud to support.”
House Bill 122 would end early termination fees for utility customers who die before the end of a contract.
Martwick measure providing students with mental health days passes Senate
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) passed legislation out of the Illinois Senate Thursday to ensure the mental health needs of school children are met.
House Bill 576 gives students the opportunity to take days off school to focus on their mental health without facing disciplinary action. The proposal comes as suicidal thoughts and mental health struggles among teens continues to rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rates of suicide in young people increased 56% from 2007 to 2017.
“Students experiencing mental health struggles need to know that they will not be disciplined for attending to their mental health.” Martwick said. “Giving students the opportunity to make up their work allows them to stay on track and not feel the pressure of falling behind.”
Read more: Martwick measure providing students with mental health days passes Senate
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