http://ift.tt/2kAHUbr Beiser: New formula helps school districts plan for future … school districts while short-changing school districts in Southern Illinois,” Beiser said.
http://ift.tt/2xpTevl ALTON – As millions of Americans work to secure their credit and identity after the data breach at Equifax, state Rep. Dan Beiser, D-Alton, …
Representative Litesa Wallace will not seek re-election in the house as she runs for lieutenant governor with Daniel Biss. A Rockford man is throwing his name into the ring to take her seat.
Maurice West announced his candidacy for the 67th district representative’s seat today. Litesa Wallace will have to vacate her seat in the house no matter the outcome of the election.
West’s reason for running is to bring Rockford closer together.
“I’m tired of , I don’t know about you but I’m tired of I-90 Rockford and downtown Rockford. We are simply Rockford. And the district serves Rockford and a little bit of Loves Park.”
West said in an interview today.
West moved to Rockford when he was five and went to school in RPS 205. He has been involved in local politics in the community since he finished college.
ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Soon, teachers and principals won’t have to dig deep into their pockets to pay for school supplies anymore. A new tax credit will give teachers $250 in state money to help offset some classroom costs.
The federal government allows teachers to write off $250 already, but this additional money will allow them to use up to $500 per school year to deduct classroom needs.
Teachers will now have more resources than ever before to put into their classrooms. It’s not just thanks to lawmakers passing a new school funding formula.
A bill sponsored by former teacher herself, Representative Sue Scherer (D) will put an additional $250 into the hands of educators.
“It’s very useful to great recognition of what teachers do, how much money they spend for materials and supplies and basic needed that some other students have in the classroom.”
The federal government already allows teachers to write off $250 on their taxes. Now, the state will match that and give them another $250, providing some financial relief.
“I know, when I was teaching, I spent upwards of about $2,000 a year for supplies, for clothing, for food, whatever my students needed to be successful.”
It also helps parents who might not be able to afford their child’s entire school supply list.
“I think it’s going to make a big difference. I don’t think it’s going to cover everything still, but I think it’ll make a huge difference.”
In order to get the credit, they’ll have to work at least 900 hours a school year. Parents say it’s a big step towards helping low-income districts get support every classroom deserves.
“I find, when you get to the middle year, teachers are struggling. They don’t have supplies. They don’t even have cleaning supplies to keep the desks clean.”
This new credit went into effect this school year. It was part of the budget which passed in July. So, while many teachers don’t know about it, hopefully the word gets out to help them offset some out-of-pocket costs.
The State Board of Education says students taking the PARCC Test are improving their scores. Districts made the change three years ago and school officials say now they can see trends in areas they need to improve and utilize more resources to increase scores.
http://ift.tt/2h0AX1T With education programs being hit hard, it has been difficult for Illinois agriculture educators to meet their goals of educating students for an …
News …
From State Representative Litesa Wallace
For Immediate Release:
Sept. 8, 2017
Wallace Backed Plan to Create Sexual Assault Evidence Tracking and Reporting Commission Signed into Law
ROCKFORD, Ill. – A state commission will review and suggest procedures on sexual assault evidence tracking and reporting under a measure sponsored by state Rep. Litesa Wallace, D-Rockford, that was signed into law recently.
“Sexual assault cases are often underreported, and our state currently lacks a uniform system across our law enforcement,” Wallace said. “This commission is an important first step in installing a statewide process that responsibly gathers evidence and ensures that survivors are treated with the respect they deserve.”
Wallace was a sponsor of the bipartisan House Bill 528, which creates the Sexual Assault Evidence Tracking and Reporting Commission to research and develop a statewide plan to track and review sexual assault evidence information. The commission will be made up of appointees from sexual assault organizations, law enforcement, state’s attorneys and other relevant individuals. The group will be tasked with submitting a report within a year that provides suggestions on a uniform, statewide reporting system that responsibly tracks cases and takes into account the well-being of survivors.
“Every community in this state has had to grapple with the effects of sexual assault,” Wallace said. “It is my hope that the results of this commission will allow us to put more criminals behind bars and bring justice to the survivors who deserve it.”
For more information, please contact Wallace’s constituent service office at 815-987-7433 or at litesa@staterepwallace.com.
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http://ift.tt/2g1vW8V State Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia, D-Aurora, partnered with the Sierra Club Valley of the Fox and other local elected officials at a town hall meeting Aug.
http://ift.tt/2wfJxMJ Prior to the job fair, job seekers can attend a “Tips for Attending a Job Fair” worship on Aug. 9 or Aug. 16 from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Illinois workNet Center at 757 W. Pershing Road in Decatur or call 875-8751.
http://ift.tt/2vd21zZ The approved budget also restores cuts that Rauner made to The Autism Project, Arc of Illinois, Early Intervention and community mental health …
Working for Illinois Caucus 