SPRINGFIELD – Recently passed laws to help support higher education students across Illinois took effect Jan. 1.

“I have always prioritized education during my time in the Senate, and I believe people will need higher education and job training more than ever after this pandemic,” State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign), chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, said. “I’m proud of the bipartisan work the General Assembly accomplished this past year to help students flourish in Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD – The subject of agricultural sciences can now be counted toward admission to an Illinois public university under a plan backed by State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield).

“The expansion of agricultural education for high schoolers and college students will validate rural students who choose this career path,” said Turner. “I’m extremely proud of the work done to expand our current curricula to include specialized sciences.”

SPRINGFIELD – State parks are now required to fly the United States, Illinois and prisoner of war/missing in action flags under a new law spearheaded by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea).

“Walking in the park one day, I overheard a boy ask his grandfather what the three flags waving in the wind were for,” Belt said. “The grandfather pointed to the U.S. flag and said ‘That represents the best nation in the world.’ He continued to the Illinois flag and replied ‘This is for the best state in our country.’ Lastly, he pointed to the POW/MIA flag and said ‘The individuals this flag represents is why the U.S. and Illinois flags are flown today.’”

The new law requires Illinois Department of Natural Resources to fly a United States, Illinois and POW/MIA flag at all state parks within five years after it is signed into law. Additionally, the legislation allows for groups and individuals to donate resources to the department’s Special Projects Fund to cover any costs.

Springfield– In an effort to combat a tactic that allows businesses to receive incentives from the government without public knowledge, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) is sponsoring a bill to prevent the state or any local unit of government from entering into a contract that would include a non-disclosure agreement in economic deals.

“Eliminating non-disclosure agreements will help bring vital transparency and accountability and ensure that local communities have a say in local development,” Peters said. “This is not just a Chicago or Illinois problem, but also a nationwide issue where we frequently see companies making deals they wish to keep out of the public eye.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement regarding the death of Thornton Township Supervisor, Frank Zuccarelli:

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, Frank Zuccarelli, the Thornton Township Supervisor and Committeeperson.”

“A devoted public servant for more than 40 years, Frank’s infectious laugh, smile and commitment to Thornton Township, South Suburban College and the Southland area will be deeply missed.” 

“My heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to his family and the Thornton Township family he loved so much. Z-Team-Forever.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) released the following statement regarding the tragic loss of life of Deidra Silas, a Department of Children and Family Services’ employee. Silas was stabbed to death in Thayer Tuesday afternoon while performing a home visit.

“The senseless death of Deidre Silas, a DCFS investigator who dedicated her career to helping at-risk youth, is devastating. My heart goes out to all who love her during this difficult time.”

“The work is challenging, and can clearly be dangerous. One death in the line of service is too many. We must do a better job of protecting those who serve in positions like these.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the Chicago Teacher’s Union voted to return to remote learning Tuesday night:  

“This is a trying time for all of us. The education of our children is a primary concern; however, the safety of our children and our educators must be our highest concern. I trust the experts who are closest to this problem to create safe, equitable solutions.

“Though vaccinations and booster shots are widely available, COVID-19 and its variants are to be taken seriously. Educators have triumphed through a lot of the pandemic’s challenges, and they should be trusted to do what is best for the health of their classrooms.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) is in full support of the Chicago Teacher’s Union decision to return to remote learning after a vote Tuesday night.

“With the recent rise in cases it is crucial that we keep our children and educators safe during this time, which makes remote schooling the best option,” Jones said. “It is shameful that the City of Chicago would lock teachers out of their portals, inhibiting them from doing their jobs and blocking access to the resources needed for teaching.”

Though CTU instructed its members to work remotely, CPS has not accepted the decision, cancelling all classes, sporting events and extracurricular activities scheduled for Wednesday.

However, food service was still available at schools between 9 a.m. and noon, and COVID testing and vaccination events will continue as scheduled.

“Our primary concern should be the children – their needs and their safety,” Jones said. “The union voted to temporarily bring back e-learning and they should be supported in their decision. Anything in opposition would disrupt the children’s learning further, and they don’t need any more setbacks.”

CTU cited rising numbers of COVID-19 cases among students and teachers as part of the reason for the switch to remote learning. CPS has been criticized for not providing adequate testing and better-quality masking and other protocols in the wake of the omicron surge.