Bennett encourages University of Illinois System advocates at Springfield rally

SPRINGFIELD – Alumni and students from the University of Illinois System rallied behind State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) in support of higher education in Springfield Wednesday.

More than 200 alumni and students from the University of Illinois System traveled to the Capitol to participate in their annual advocacy day, which included a rally with University of Illinois caucus members.

This event gives students and alumni the opportunity to show their support for higher education legislation and issues, as well as learn about the legislative process. 

Read more: Bennett encourages University of Illinois System advocates at Springfield rally

Villivalam pushes for better personal health education in public schools

SPRINGFEILD - State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) and advocates introduced the REACH Act at a press conference this morning. 

This legislation requires all K-12 public schools to offer a comprehensive and age-appropriate course on personal heath and public safety. The program would be phased in slowly, thus granting schools a smooth orderly transition to the new curriculum.

Read more: Villivalam pushes for better personal health education in public schools

Bennett advances bill to allow exemptions from school shooter drills

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) advanced a measure through the Senate Education Committee Tuesday to allow a student’s parent to exempt them from school active shooter drills.

The legislation is in response to recent news regarding the effects active shooter drills in schools have on young children. It seeks to reduce the associated psychological effects by granting parents the authority to exempt students from the drill.

“While I support training for school staff and students, it’s critical that we take additional precautions for these drills, as fear of school shootings has intensified,” Bennett said. “These drills can sometimes be confusing for young students and psychologically distressing – if the circumstances permit, a parent should have the ability to opt their child out of a school shooter drill.”

Read more: Bennett advances bill to allow exemptions from school shooter drills

Peters: Ending cash bail necessary to achieve safety and justice in our communities

SPRINGFIELD – The End Money Bond Coalition hosted a rally in the Capitol rotunda Tuesday in support of a measure to end cash bail in Illinois. State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), who will sponsor the legislation in the Senate, spoke at the rally.

“We know what safety and justice looks like in our communities,” Peters said. “We know it’s a roof over your head. We know it’s a social worker at your school. We know it’s being able to drink your water. And we know that it’s not locking you up because you’re poor.”

Peters is the Chair of the Senate Special Committee on Public Safety and has made ending cash bail in Illinois his top priority for the 2020 legislative session.