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Archive for the ‘Education’ Category

Care of Students with Diabetes Act

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

Dear neighbor,

I am pleased to let you know that the Care of Students with Diabetes Act (HB6065), which I sponsored in the Senate, has passed each chamber and now moves to the Governor for his signature. You can read the bill here or read the Tribune’s report about the bill here.

The passage of this bill is a tremendous victory for parents of children with diabetes across the state, led by Suzanne Elder, who have tirelessly advocated to pass this legislation for over 7 years. Suzanne’s efforts to create an impressive coalition of parents and organizations that care about this issue at last won over tough interest groups that lobbied against the bill. Her work on this issue is an inspiring story for those grassroots advocates who want to make a difference in Springfield.

The bill will enable children with diabetes to get the care they need in school, without their parents having to quit their jobs to manage their children’s health, as happens now too regularly. Children who are old enough and able can now self-manage their diabetes at any school in the state. For those children who cannot self-administer and who are located in schools without a nurse, their parents or guardians can identify a volunteer at the school (teacher or staff) to become the child’s delegated care aid. This volunteer (no one can be compelled to volunteer) will receive professional training on how to help the child manage his or her diabetes according the child’s diabetes care plan. This law is an important step towards protecting the health and lives of students with diabetes in Illinois.

Future e-mails will include additional updates about legislation that I have worked on during this session or you can read more by clicking here. Please contact me at hsteans@senatedem.ilga.gov or 773-769-1717 if you have any questions about the Care of Students with Diabetes bill or any other legislation.

Best,

Heather A. Steans
State Senator

Posted in Education, Healthcare, Legislation

April Budget Update

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

May 3, 2010

Dear Neighbor,

We head back to Springfield today to hopefully address the State’s budget. I am very concerned that we will not have a meaningful solution. Too many discussions regarding the budget have been focused on how to put off the problem rather than solving it. It is alarming how much borrowing significant dollars and cutting core services such as education dominate the conversation.

The proposals regarding borrowing include:

About $1 billion against future tobacco settlements,
About $1 billion against other state funds (Not General Revenue Funds), and
$3.7 billion in pension obligation notes.

We are no closer to a complete, real budget solution that brings expenditures and revenues in line. I continue to push to have cuts that do not impact core services and additional revenues, and will keep you posted.

Teacher Wish List Program

The week of Monday, May 3 is “National Teacher Appreciation Week.” Teachers spend, on average, $500 of their own money to fund such items as classroom decorations, office supplies, and other classroom needs. In recognition of this special week for teachers, State Representative Harry Osterman, Alderman Mary Ann Smith and I are kicking off a Teacher Supply Drive at www.senatorsteans.com/teacherwishlist. This wish list will be available year round for your donations.

We have asked teachers at schools in the 7th district to share with us a list of supplies that they would like for their classroom. Visit the site, choose a line and e-mail the list of items you wish to donate to jen@heathersteans.com

This list currently includes items ranging from markers and copier paper to specific copies of books and computer equipment. New and gently used donations are welcome. Visit www.senatorsteans.com/teacherwishlist for more information.

Best,

Heather A. Steans
State Senator

Volunteer at Sullivan High School!

For the past twelve weeks, the Peace and Leadership Council at Sullivan High School has dedicated their time and committed themselves to bettering their school. They have conducted surveys, held focus groups and conducted research to find out what the school needed. They identified a lack of parental and community involvement in the school as their key issue. They have created a “GO VOLUNTEER” initiative and they would love to have you join and support their efforts. The PLC has set a goal of getting 1000 volunteer hours donated to be used for tutoring, sports games, and special events. We are asking YOU join our effort by volunteering your time to make Sullivan a better place! Volunteering even 2 hours would help their initiative tremendously!

For more information, contact Stephanie Troche, program coordinator for Sullivan Peace and Leadership Council at stephanie@mikvachallenge.org or by phone at 312-863-6387.

Pet Supply Drive

State Representative Harry Osterman is holding his second annual Pet Supply Drive through May 31 to support Friends of Animal Care & Control (FACC), a neighborhood non-profit that raises funds and donations year-round to support the city of Chicago’s neglected pets. Please drop off pet food (wet and dry), and other pet supplies including leashes, cleaning products and toys at Rep. Osterman’s district office, 5535 N. Broadway St., or at any of the many “drop-off points” located throughout the neighborhood. For more information on this drive, or to host your own “drop-off point”, please call (773) 784-2002.

Posted in Budget, Education

One Step Closer to Removing CPS Teacher Residency Requirements

Friday, March 26th, 2010

Let city teachers live in suburbs?

March 26, 2010

BY DAVE McKINNEY Sun-Times Springfield Bureau Chief

SPRINGFIELD — Teachers would be able to live in the suburbs but commute to their Chicago Public Schools jobs under legislation that passed the Illinois Senate on Thursday.

The plan to lift the teacher residency requirement flew out of the Senate on a 40-7 vote, with nine voting present. Mayor Daley’s administration opposed the measure, which carried strong backing from the Chicago Teachers Union.

“I think this is another step in improving the quality of the schools,” said Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago), the bill’s chief Senate sponsor. “You want the best possible pool of candidates to recruit.”

Since 1996, all school system employees have been required to live in Chicago unless granted a waiver by the Board of Education.

That state law is unfair because teachers in city charter schools can live in the suburbs, and Chicago housing is expensive, the union said. “Some teachers aren’t making the kind of salary to be able to live in the city,” spokeswoman Rosemaria Genova said.

…

From The Chicago Sun-Times

Read the Full Article Here

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Posted in Education, Legislation