Metro East Sun

As the final week of the Spring Legislative Session commences, numerous bills are awaiting approval and a new state budget is yet to be passed. Among these pending legislative actions, several are focused on education reform in Illinois. These reforms aim to enhance opportunities for students across the state, improve education outcomes, and ensure access to quality learning experiences.

"I'm advocating for education reform and enhanced opportunities for students across Illinois," said the representative. He is co-sponsoring several bills that would bring about positive change in the education system. The representative emphasized that "education is the cornerstone of our society" and it is crucial to continually strive for improvement and innovation within this system.

The proposed bills include House Bill 3286 which aims to bolster career education opportunities by establishing a program to provide bonuses to Career and Technical Education teachers working with manufacturing companies during internships. House Bill 4219 seeks to strengthen health education by updating the Comprehensive Health Education Program to include instruction on the dangers of fentanyl for grades 6-8. Lastly, House Bill 4241 addresses instances of sexual abuse by educators or authority figures within school settings, promoting a safe and conducive learning environment for all students.

In addition to educational reforms, there's also an ongoing effort to end Illinois’ Sanctuary State Status. The representative has co-sponsored State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer’s (R-Murrayville) legislation aimed at addressing challenges posed by undocumented immigration in Illinois. HB 4187 seeks to repeal the TRUST Act and terminate Illinois’ status as a sanctuary state for undocumented immigrants.

"Ensuring the integrity of our immigration system is crucial to safeguarding the well-being of our communities and upholding the rule of law," said the representative while reaffirming his commitment towards responsible immigration policies that prioritize Illinois residents' interests.

In an effort to inspire Kindergarten through 6th-grade students, a summer reading program has been launched. By reading a minimum of ten books during their break, students will not only expand their imaginations but also enhance their literacy skills in a fun and engaging way.

The representative has also introduced HB 4128, the Veterans Day Paid Leave Act, to honor and support veterans. This legislation ensures that veterans employed in Illinois are granted a paid day off on Veterans Day, starting January 1, 2025.

Furthermore, the representative has pledged to donate his legislative pay raise to different local community outreach efforts. This month's donation was made to the Zion Church of Christ Food Pantry in New Baden.

Lastly, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (IDCEO) announced the availability of $30 million in funding to rejuvenate commercial and downtown areas throughout the state. The Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital (RDMS) program and the Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE) program aim to expedite local economic recovery efforts.