Simmons honoring Officer Bartholomew after Endeavor Swedish Hospital shooting

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) released the following statement regarding the fatal shooting of Officer John Bartholomew that occurred at Endeavor Swedish Hospital on Saturday, April 25:

“My family and I have been patients at Endeavor Swedish Hospital for decades, and on Saturday, I found my beloved childhood neighborhood barricaded and on lockdown due to an active shooter.

“I commend law enforcement and our local leaders for their swift action that led to the apprehension of the alleged shooter. I want to honor the life of Officer John Bartholomew. Officer Bartholomew was just 38 years old and had served with the Chicago Police Department for over a decade before his life was tragically taken.

Read more: Simmons honoring Officer Bartholomew after Endeavor Swedish Hospital shooting

Ellman measure expanding access to high school coursework for middle schoolers advances

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.

“Students learn at different paces, and our policies should reflect that,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This measure ensures that motivated middle school students have clear, equitable access to high school coursework, without unnecessary barriers, while maintaining the high standards families expect.”

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.

Read more: Ellman measure expanding access to high school coursework for middle schoolers advances

Castro leads charge to deliver critical care for newborns

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Cristina Castro advanced a measure that would develop a program to increase care for newborns.

“The postpartum period is a critical phase of newborns’ well-being,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Delivering needed care in that time period will ensure their health is not compromised.”

Read more: Castro leads charge to deliver critical care for newborns

Morrison leads legislation that would bolster law enforcement use of the CODIS database

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison is leading legislation that would ensure the Illinois State Police utilize the national DNA profile database CODIS to notify investigating agencies if a consistent DNA profile has been identified.

“The CODIS database is a valuable tool for law enforcement agencies to ensure our safety and seek justice for victims of crimes,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It is imperative that we continue to provide the administrative tools needed to ensure the Illinois State Police is able to utilize and contact investigating law enforcement agencies if a match is identified.”

Read more: Morrison leads legislation that would bolster law enforcement use of the CODIS database