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House passes bill requiring LGBT content in state-funded textbooks

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The Illinois House on Wednesday passed a bill requiring public school textbooks purchased with certain state funds be nondiscriminatory and unbiased in their treatment of racial and ethnic minorities, and that they highlight the contributions that LGBT individuals have made to American history and culture.

“Under current practice in many of our schools, the contribution of LGBT individuals in history has remained hidden and unacknowledged,” Rep. Anna Moeller, an Elgin Democrat and sponsor of House Bill 246, said during debate on the floor of the House.

“This exclusion has denied students the opportunity to obtain a greater and more accurate understanding of world history, and it also has denied LGBT people their identity and reflection in our school curriculum,” she added.

The bill passed out of the House on a largely party-line vote of 60-42. Only three Democrats voted against the bill, and no Republicans voted for it.

Rep. Tom Morrison, a Palatine Republican, argued schools and teachers already struggle to keep up with the growing list of mandates applied to them, and the state should not be adding another, especially one that some might find inappropriate.

“We all know that we need to have a well-educated, well-informed citizenry. We have to have that if we’re going to maintain our form of government,” he said. “But we’re already failing to teach history to today’s and future generations. We’re not even covering the basics of our shared history.”

The bill is in the Senate, which passed similar legislation during the 2018 session, and it awaits assignment to a substantive committee. Chicago Democrat Heather Steans is the legislation’s chief co-sponsor.

But it is unlikely that the bill would have any immediate impact, even if it is signed into law. That’s because it only applies to textbooks purchased through the state’s textbook block grant program, which has not received any funding for the last five years, and which the State Board of Education has not requested funding for in the upcoming budget.

01-All No Sub,02-Pol,09-ILSN,19-Legal,24-ILGA,26-Delivered,25-Working,E Moeller,XHLSN 3,RK Client,HL,HL New,RKPRS HL,XHLSN All

Region: Springfield,Feeds,State,Politics,Central,City: Springfield,Region: Central

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March 13, 2019 at 08:35PM

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House passes bill to require Illinois public schools teach LGBT history

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The state Senate could soon vote on a measure that would require K-12 public schools in Illinois to teach LGBT history.

State Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, got House Bill 246 passed Wednesday with just enough votes, 60-42. The measure would require textbooks “include the roles and contributions of all people protected under the Illinois Human Rights Act” and “the teaching of history of the United States shall include a study of the roles and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the history.”

Before it passed, Moeller said the measure would give LGBT students role models to look up to in history books. She said it would help students who feel like outsiders.

“There was no common history to counter that,” Moeller said. “Let’s change that narrative in Illinois. Let’s give LGBT students a safe inclusive and welcoming environment and ensure that all of our students have an accurate and improved history and understanding of how LGBT individuals and movements have contributed and shaped our world today.”

State Rep. Tom Morrison, R-Palatine, asked why someone’s sexuality is important.

“How or why is an historical figure’s sexuality or gender self-identification even relevant, especially when we’re talking about kindergarten and elementary school history?” Morrison said. “Furthermore, there’s no parental opt-out nor even any notification so the parents can know if, when or how to talk about these topics with their children.”

He also said it the measure would add another unfunded requirement to school districts, which are governed by locally elected school boards.

“The quality of study that we offer to young people suffers while we add to the quantity of that list,” Morrison said.

The Illinois Senate approved a similar plan last year, but lawmakers left Springfield before the bill came up for a vote in the Illinois House.

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Region: Statewide,Politics

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March 13, 2019 at 03:15PM

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State Rep. Connor backs bill to invest in renewable energy, jobs

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State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, is supporting a bill which would invest in sustainable energy and environmentally-friendly jobs.

The Clean Energy Jobs Act, House Bill 3624, would set aside $25 million to generate employment opportunities throughout Illinois through "clean energy empowerment zones to help communities transition away from fossil fuels," according to a news release. It would also promote a vehicle electrification program and requires the state run entirely on renewable energy by 2050.

"Green technology will drive down the cost of power while lifting up disadvantaged communities with new jobs and business opportunities," Connor said in the release. "By investing in renewable energy, we are investing in our economy and our future."

The bill specifically refers to the transportatiion sector, which it said is the leading source of carbon pollution in Illinois. It calls for removing the equivalent of 1 million gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles from the roads by expanding access to transit, promoting walking and biking and increasing electric vehicle adoption.

"It is time for Illinois to take its place at the forefront of the clean energy movement," Connor said. "Utilizing the endless energy of the wind and sun isn’t just common sense, it’s the way to create a better, cleaner world for our children."

Connor is a co-sponsor of the bill.

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Feeds,City: Joliet,Region: Joliet,Region: South Suburbs,Opinion

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March 11, 2019 at 02:32PM

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Barbara Hernandez sworn in as new 83rd District state representative

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Kane County Board member Barbara Hernandez has been sworn in as the new state representative in the 83rd House District.

Hernandez, of Aurora, replaces Linda Chapa LaVia, who left the House seat after 18 years to become director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

Hernandez, who has been the 8th District representative on the Kane County Board since being elected in 2016, once worked as an intern in Chapa LaVia’s office. At age 26, Hernandez becomes the youngest member of the Illinois General Assembly.

Since Chapa LaVia is a Democrat, her replacement had to be a Democrat.

The appointment was made unanimously by a three-member panel of Kane County Democrats, including Mark Guethle, Kane Democratic chairman; Greg Elsbree, the Aurora Township Democratic chairman; and Casey Cuevas, an Aurora Township Democratic precinct committeeman.

“(Hernandez) had a lot of support in the community,” said Guethle Friday. “She is a shining, rising star in the party. She’s good on all the Democratic core issues.”

Guethle was automatically included in the panel that chose Hernandez because he is the county party chairman. Elsbree and Cuevas were elected by a vote of Aurora Township committee members for the panel.

The panel heard from several people interested in replacing Chapa LaVia before voting for Hernandez. She was immediately sworn in by Kane County Circuit Judge Michael Noland.

Hernandez was not available for comment Friday, but did make a statement on her Facebook page.

“I never imagined a daughter of first generation immigrants could have made it this far,” she said. “ I cannot wait to continue the fight in the 83rd District.”

Hernandez was born and raised in Aurora. She graduated from East Aurora High School in 2010, Waubonsee Community College in 2012 and from Aurora University in 2014.

She has a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in Spanish. She is the first in her family to attend college.

She interned in Chapa LaVia’s office and was first elected a precinct committeeman in the 5th Precinct of the 3rd Ward at the age of 19.

Hernandez will eventually resign from her Kane County Board position, and it will be up to Kane County Board Chairman Chris Lauzen to name a replacement.

That replacement must be a Democrat, because Hernandez is a Democrat.

slord@tribpub.com

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via Aurora Beacon-News

March 9, 2019 at 08:36AM

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$40K minimum teacher salary bill passes out of committee

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — The $40,000 minimum teacher salary bill, House Bill 2078, has passed out of committee on Wednesday.

Currently the state school code sets the minimum salary for Illinois teachers at $10,000 a year for those with a bachelor’s degree and $11,000 for those with a master’s degree.

Illinois is also facing a teacher shortage and last year, more than 1,500 positions went unfilled and more than 2,000 went unfilled the year before, according to the Illinois Education Association.

Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Collinsville, is the bill’s sponsor, which passed out of the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee on a 5-2 vote.

Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, is the sponsor of Senate Bill 10, which is on its third reading in the Illinois Senate.

Both versions of the bill would increase the minimum teacher salary in a five-year span, giving districts time to plan financially for the change.

The bill is now headed to the House floor.

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via KHQA

March 6, 2019 at 10:00PM

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Bristow to host office open house at new location

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Bristow to host office open house at new location

ALTON – To ensure that residents are aware of the new location of her constituent service office in Alton, state Rep. Monica Bristow, D-Alton, is inviting all residents of the 111th district to an Office Open House on Thursday, March 7, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

“I encourage everyone to come see our new office space and familiarize themselves with the location, or stop by just to say hello,” said Bristow. “My full-time constituent service office is always open and prepared to deal with any issue, such as problems with medical insurance, renewal of a FOID card, or connecting people to the correct state agency.”

The new office is located at 102 W. 9th St, Suite 104, in Alton, right next to the Little Mexico restaurant. Refreshments will be provided. Along with the Open House, Bristow continuously hosts local events, such as Health and Wellness Fairs, Coffee Shop Stops, and ICash events. Her next Coffee Shop Stop will be at the Weeping Willow Café, located at 128 W. Central St. in Bethalto on Saturday, March 9 from 11 a.m. to noon.

“With a new location, I want to make sure that all residents have a chance to see our new space and are able to easily contact me should they want to discuss current issues or pending legislation, have a local or state problem that my office can help with, or to set up a meeting with me,” said Bristow. “In order to be a strong voice for the Riverbend Region, I encourage anyone with an issue or concern to stop by my office, or contact my office so we can assist them.”

This event is free and open to the public, and no RSVP is required. For more information, please contact Rep. Bristow’s constituent services office at 618-465-5900, or email RepMBristow@gmail.com.

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Region: Metro East,City: Alton,News

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March 4, 2019 at 03:02PM

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Bill would prohibit McHenry County officials from using tax dollars to combat consolidation

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McHenry County residents and officials aiming to consolidate local governments soon could have a new tool to help make it happen. 

On Feb. 7, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, filed House Bill 2207. If passed, the legislation would prohibit any public taxing authority from using tax dollars to fight efforts to consolidate local governments.

Yingling, who is chairman of the House Counties and Townships Committee, was not available to comment Friday, but a look at the bill offered some insights into what he aims to accomplish. Specifically, HB 2207 would amend the Public Officer Prohibited Activities Act and make it illegal for any effort to use public dollars to “obstruct, fight or challenge initiatives to consolidate, merge or eliminate any unit of local government.”

There could be some tough consequences if that law is violated, according to language in the bill. If a unit of local government with taxing authority or any person holding public office violates the law, all state funding shall be withheld from the unit of government “until the obstruction, fighting or challenge by the unit of local government, or public official, is concluded.”

Furthermore, any alderman, trustee, county commissioner or any person holding office who violates the terms is guilty of a felony, according to the proposed bill.

“[Any] office or official position held by any person so convicted shall become vacant, and shall be so declared as part of the judgment of court,” it reads.

The attack on townships has intensified in recent years. Voters and homeowners tired of high property taxes and the state’s worsening economic climate have been looking to cut anything from anywhere they can.

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Feeds,State,NW Herald

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March 3, 2019 at 11:46PM

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Bill would prohibit McHenry County officials from using tax dollars to combat consolidation

https://ift.tt/2TsZ3Ux

McHenry County residents and officials aiming to consolidate local governments soon could have a new tool to help make it happen. 

On Feb. 7, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, filed House Bill 2207. If passed, the legislation would prohibit any public taxing authority from using tax dollars to fight efforts to consolidate local governments.

Yingling, who is chairman of the House Counties and Townships Committee, was not available to comment Friday, but a look at the bill offered some insights into what he aims to accomplish. Specifically, HB 2207 would amend the Public Officer Prohibited Activities Act and make it illegal for any effort to use public dollars to “obstruct, fight or challenge initiatives to consolidate, merge or eliminate any unit of local government.”

There could be some tough consequences if that law is violated, according to language in the bill. If a unit of local government with taxing authority or any person holding public office violates the law, all state funding shall be withheld from the unit of government “until the obstruction, fighting or challenge by the unit of local government, or public official, is concluded.”

Furthermore, any alderman, trustee, county commissioner or any person holding office who violates the terms is guilty of a felony, according to the proposed bill.

“[Any] office or official position held by any person so convicted shall become vacant, and shall be so declared as part of the judgment of court,” it reads.

The attack on townships has intensified in recent years. Voters and homeowners tired of high property taxes and the state’s worsening economic climate have been looking to cut anything from anywhere they can.

01-All No Sub,02-Pol,16-Econ,19-Legal,24-ILGA,25-Working,26-Delivered,HL,HL New,RKPRS HL

Feeds,State,NW Herald

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March 3, 2019 at 11:46PM

0

Bill would prohibit McHenry County officials from using tax dollars to combat consolidation

https://ift.tt/2TsZ3Ux

McHenry County residents and officials aiming to consolidate local governments soon could have a new tool to help make it happen. 

On Feb. 7, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, filed House Bill 2207. If passed, the legislation would prohibit any public taxing authority from using tax dollars to fight efforts to consolidate local governments.

Yingling, who is chairman of the House Counties and Townships Committee, was not available to comment Friday, but a look at the bill offered some insights into what he aims to accomplish. Specifically, HB 2207 would amend the Public Officer Prohibited Activities Act and make it illegal for any effort to use public dollars to “obstruct, fight or challenge initiatives to consolidate, merge or eliminate any unit of local government.”

There could be some tough consequences if that law is violated, according to language in the bill. If a unit of local government with taxing authority or any person holding public office violates the law, all state funding shall be withheld from the unit of government “until the obstruction, fighting or challenge by the unit of local government, or public official, is concluded.”

Furthermore, any alderman, trustee, county commissioner or any person holding office who violates the terms is guilty of a felony, according to the proposed bill.

“[Any] office or official position held by any person so convicted shall become vacant, and shall be so declared as part of the judgment of court,” it reads.

The attack on townships has intensified in recent years. Voters and homeowners tired of high property taxes and the state’s worsening economic climate have been looking to cut anything from anywhere they can.

01-All No Sub,02-Pol,16-Econ,19-Legal,24-ILGA,25-Working,26-Delivered,HL,HL New,RKPRS HL

Feeds,State,NW Herald

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March 3, 2019 at 11:46PM

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