Newsletter for March 22, 2021

Meeting Economic Development Priorities

Due to the economic destruction of the pandemic, now more than ever the Chicago southland region must unite to ensure our priorities are met. Whether it's a south suburban casino, the construction of an interchange for a cargo airport, or funding for public safety, health care and schools, elected officials and community members together can lead the way. [Read the Article in the Chicago Tribune]

Improving Transparency & Provide for Community Input

Last week, before the House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter School Committee, Rep DeLuca unanimously passed HB1785, an important education initiative to increase transparency and community input when a school district is considering closing a school. HB1785 says, "the school board must hold at least 3 public hearings, the sole purpose of which shall be to discuss the decision to close a school building and receive input from the community" Each public hearing requires 10 days notice. [Read the Bill Summary at ILGA.gov]

A Remedy for Early Childhood Development Program Staffing

Last week, before the Child Care Accessibility & Early Childhood Education Committee, Rep. DeLuca unanimously passed HB2374.  HB2374 is designed to remedy the staffing crisis in early childhood care due to the inability of day care facilities to recruit and hire certified Lead Teachers necessary to supervise individual classrooms.  In 2019 alone, nearly 60 day care facilities closed in Illinois due to this challenge.  Without a sufficient number of Lead Teachers, day care facilities are forced to first close classrooms and serve less children.  Then, because of subsequent financial pressure, eventually close their doors.  HB2374 is an initiative to help solve this crisis. [Read the Bill Summary at ILGA.gov]

Sincerely,

Illinois 80th District includes portions of:

Townships: Bloom, Crete, Florence, Frankfort, Green Garden, Manhattan, Monee, New Lenox, Peotone, Rich, and Wilton

Municipalities: Chicago Heights, Flossmoor, Frankfort, Glenwood, Hazel Crest, Homewood, Manhattan, Matteson, Mokena, Monee, New Lenox, Olympia Fields, Park Forest, Richton Park, South Chicago Heights, Steger, Symerton University Park, and Wilmington