ILLINOIS (WCIA) — One lawmaker is making an effort to help end the teacher shortage in Illinois.
State Representative Sue Scherer of Decatur is leading the charge to require a minimum base salary for full-time teachers in the state.
She says this bill will help teachers receive livable wages, especially with many perspective teachers dealing with massive student loan debt.
The bill has already received support from the Illinois Education Association.
https://ift.tt/2E3XtwC ALTON – In efforts to bring assistance to shelters within the community, state Rep. Monica Bristow, D-Godfrey, is partnering with the Oasis Women’s Center to …
https://ift.tt/2GBFQd3 
COLLINSVILLE – State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, and the Metro East Small Business Development Center partnered for a small business town hall meeting to provide Metro East small business
https://ift.tt/2I3yz2U State Reps. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, Monica Bristow, D-Godfrey, and Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, will partner with the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and …
Chicago Tonight political journalist Amanda Vinicky joins the show to recap the Illinois primary election.
State Representative John Connor talks about his efforts to combat Illinois’ rising crisis of opioid abuse.
Edelson Partner Chris Dore joins Rich and Tina to discuss the Facebook data breach.
Potomac Law Group COO Marlene Laro discusses how her virtual law firm is changing how lawyers work
Finally, in the Legal Grab Bag, Tina and Rich discuss breaking legal news involving Trump’s legal team, Stormy Daniels, a fight over Glen Campbell’s estate and allegations against action star Steven Seagal.
COLLINSVILLE – In response to continued outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease at the Quincy Veterans’ Home, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is co-sponsoring legislation to increase transparency and safety in Illinois’ veterans homes.
“The failure of the governor’s administration to act to remediate the outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease at the Quincy Veterans’ Home and the subsequent attempt to cover it up is shameful. At the very least, the residents and their loved ones should have been informed of the potential of infection,” said Stuart. “Our veterans put their lives on the line in service to us; it is imperative that we take care of them as they age in our hospitals and nursing homes.”
Thirteen veterans and their spouses have died as a result of Legionnaires’ disease with dozens more falling ill. Stuart is co-sponsoring House Bill 4278 to require veterans’ homes to notify residents along with their next of kin or emergency contact of any infectious disease outbreak. The home must also post notification of the outbreak at the front door and provide written notification to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Department of Public Health. House Bill 5784 requires the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to submit quarterly reports on the health and wellness of its residents, including cases of communicable diseases.
To discuss this legislation as well as other concerns, Stuart is hosting a Veterans Issues Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, March 14 from 11 a.m. to noon at the American Legion Post 365, located at 1022 Vandalia St. in Collinsville. The event is free and open to the public.
“These bills are about increasing transparency in our state’s veterans’ homes to ensure that the public and most importantly, the veterans and their families, are fully aware of the state of the living conditions in these homes,” Stuart said. “If they don’t know of an infectious disease outbreak, then they don’t know to take the precautions and steps necessary to protect themselves. The state should do a much better job of communicating with residents and their families and taking additional steps to protect the health and safety of these veterans and their spouses.”
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Last week, State Rep. Deb Conroy, D-Villa Park, voted to pass legislation ensuring hospitals receive vital funding to provide quality care DuPage County residents.
“I hear from residents all of the time who are worried about the future of healthcare and are concerned about maintaining quality services and affordable prices,” said Conroy. “This bill is one step of many that must be taken to ensure that our hospitals have the resources they need serve every community and sure make their services available to those who need it most.”
Senate Bill 1773 maximizes federal matching dollars to generate additional non-state funds for hospitals throughout Illinois. The current hospital assessment formula is based on decade-old data. The new formula will also bring in an additional $85 million dollars for mental health services.
“The hospital assessment is a crucial part of Medicaid funding for hospitals in Illinois,” said Kelley Clancy, Chief Advocacy Officer of AMITA Health. “AMITA Health appreciates the support of Representative Conroy and all legislators who voted for the assessment which provides the needed resources to ensure access to all those in need of healthcare services.”
This item was posted by a community contributor. To read more about community contributors, click here.
http://ift.tt/2EsYy2e Since taking office as Illinois Treasurer two years ago, Mike Frerichs has connected $220 million worth of property back to its rightful owners through the I-Cash Program. If you are unable to stop by, you can check to see if you or any member of your family has unclaimed property in the Treasurer’s Office …
http://ift.tt/2FMXVBQ To help local taxpayers understand state tax exemptions and credits and learn ways to potentially save more of what they earn this tax season, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, will host an income tax informational seminar at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 17, 2018. Representatives from the …
Working for Illinois Caucus 