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* State Journal-Register…
Gov. JB Pritzker made hay in his State of the State address last month by pushing for universal access to preschool for 3 and 4-year-old Illinoisans. Now, a bill moved forward in committee looks at doing the same for kindergarteners.
The Child Care Access and Early Childhood House committee heard arguments last week for and against House Bill 2396, which would require all school boards to establish a full-day kindergarten program in their districts.
The bill from state Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights, passed 14-1 Thursday but is expected to return to the committee with amendments.
Canty’s reason for pushing the bill, she said, is to strengthen reading comprehension and social skills of kindergarteners throughout the state. It comes as Republicans in recent weeks have railed against low test scores at public schools.
* WIFR…
Local police and fire departments who may have trouble with recruitment may be in luck if a bill in the Illinois House of Representatives gets enough support from state lawmakers.
State Rep. Dave Vella (D-68) introduces a new bill that could add more police and fire personnel locally through a two-year program at community colleges like Rock Valley College. This is something Vella’s been working on for more than a year and a half.
“I realized from talking to a lot of police officers, I left friends who are police officers, that the numbers of people applying are down and then start talking to firefighters, it’s the same thing.”
Currently, high schoolers can take a fire safety and public safety course during their senior year. The goal behind this bill is to get incoming college freshmen who want to work in the police or fire department to obtain an associate’s degree through a two-year course at a community college. That way after graduation they can have the ability to become a police officer or firefighter.
* Crain’s…
The trade group that represents the state’s hospitality industry is launching a legislative offensive against two of its biggest irritants: obnoxious customers who, post-COVID lockdowns, feel empowered to say and do almost anything, and home-share competitors who don’t pay taxes like hotels and motels do. […]
One bill, sponsored by Rep. Lakeshia Collins and Sen. Omar Aquino, both Chicago Democrats, would allow hotels and other inns to evict customers who bad-mouth workers, threaten property, abuse illegal drugs, are clearly intoxicated or violate rules — providing the move is not prompted by racial or other forms of discrimination. […]
Under current law, abusive guests usually have to be arrested and often end up suing the hotel involved. Establishing clear standards of conduct should avoid those complications, he continued, saying the new measure is based on a “Be Kind Bill” that recently was adopted in Rhode Island. “We’re trying to show our employees that we’ve got their back,” Jacobson said. […]
Likely to be more controversial is a companion measure that is being amended onto SB 1442, sponsored by Sen. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin.
According to Jacobson, it would require computer platforms that rent out space in homes or apartments for short periods of time to pay the state’s 6% lodging tax, register its clients with the state and make regular reports on income.
* Rep. Will Davis’ HB2793 was assigned to the Agriculture and Conservation committee on Feb. 28…
Amends the Animal Welfare Act. Defines “professional breeder”. Provides that an animal shelter shall not accept a dog or cat from an animal shelter licensed under the Act or an out-of-state animal control facility, rescue group, or animal shelter that is duly licensed in their state or is a not-for-profit organization unless it obtains documentation attesting that the dog or cat was not obtained through compensation or payment made to a cat breeder, dog breeder, dog dealer, or dog broker. Provides that an animal shelter shall not obtain a dog or cat by any means other than owner surrender, transfer from an animal control facility, an order by law enforcement, or an animal shelter in compliance with provisions concerning reporting of animals. Provides that a pet shop operator or dog dealer (rather than just a pet shop operator) may offer for sale a dog or cat only if the dog or cat is obtained from an animal control facility, animal shelter, or professional breeder (rather than just an animal control facility or an animal shelter) located in-state or out-of-state, that is in compliance with provisions concerning animal control facilities and animal shelters supplying to pet shop operators and requirements of professional dog breeders. Removes provisions concerning the requirement that a pet shop operator shall keep a record of each dog or cat offered for sale. Provides for requirements of professional dog breeders.
Rep. Davis’ bill would change a 2021 law that restricted the retail sale of dogs and cats to animal control and shelters only. Davis explained his legislation on Fox Chicago…
Q: Is there a law on the books? And this is just kind of adding to it, making it stronger, stricter?
A: Well, one of the previous laws that has impacted businesses, like Ana, was great. Because it worked and tried to shut down sourcing dogs from puppy mills here in the state of Illinois.
But it’s had an unintended consequence because businesses that want to be able to source puppies for those families that want purebred dogs is prevented them to be able to do so. So it’s having an unintended impact on small businesses in the state of Illinois. Which we always talk about supporting small businesses and unfortunately what we have on the books right now is not doing so.
So again, we’re hoping to at least reverse some of that so that businesses can source dogs from reputable sources, whether they be in state or out of state so they can be sold in stores.
* Shaw Local…
State Sen. Tom Bennett, R-Gibson City, advanced legislation aimed to help the families of veterans with their property taxes.
Senate Bill 1534, filed by Bennett, fixes what he said is an issue with homestead exemptions for veterans. […]
Under Bennett’s legislation, if a veteran with a spouse dies while their veteran’s homestead exemption is under review, the review will continue, and if the exemption is granted for the veteran, then it will be granted to the surviving spouse.
“This change could offer vital assistance to the families of veterans, especially when they are dealing with the loss of a loved one,” Bennett said.
The Illinois Senate Revenue Committee recently approved the measure unanimously. It now awaits action by the full Senate.
* An amendment for HB2121 has been filed with the Clerk and referred to the Rules Committee. The Telegraph…
A bill in Springfield that would allow ground sparklers is facing opposition.
Fireworks are banned in Illinois, one of only three states to do so. Novelty items, like hand-held sparklers and smoke bombs, are allowed. But the transportation and use of any consumer fireworks — such as firecrackers or bottle rockets — is deemed a Class A misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $2,500.
State Rep. Robert Rita, D-Blue Island, has introduced a measure that would allow the sale of ground sparklers in Illinois to anyone over the age of 18. Ground sparklers typically emit sparks and can have noise effects, like crackles and whistles. […]
State Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, has been a champion in the effort to lift Illinois’ fireworks ban, saying the state is missing out on millions of dollars in sales tax revenue each year.
* Rep. Margaret Croke’s bill was assigned to Transportation: Regulations, Roads & Bridges on Feb. 23…
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the City of Chicago shall (instead of “may”) enact an ordinance providing for a noise monitoring system upon any portion of the roadway known as Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Requires that the installation of the noise monitoring system shall be completed within 6 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Requires that, 12 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act, and any time after the first report as the City deems necessary, the City of Chicago shall prepare a noise monitoring report with the data collected from the system and, upon request, shall make the report available to the public. Limits home rule powers.
* SB1752 was assigned to Senate Appropriations on Feb. 21. Illinois Senate Democrats…
State Senator Paul Faraci has introduced Senate Bill 1752, which aims to reduce the number of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities on the Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services database.
The PUNS list currently has 14,806 individuals who want or need Developmental Disability Waiver Services. As funding becomes available, individuals are selected from PUNS to apply for the waiver. However, the demand for these services far outweighs the available funding, leaving many individuals waiting for years to receive the assistance they need.
“The PUNS list has been a concern of mine for many years, and I am thrilled to introduce this bill that will help reduce the backlog of individuals waiting for developmental disability waiver services,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Every person on the list is someone who needs help, and it’s our duty to ensure that they receive the support they require to live a happy and fulfilling life.”
Senate Bill 1752 requires the Department of Human Services to reduce the number of individuals on the PUNS database by at least 800 persons by June 30, 2023, no fewer than 1,000 persons between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025, and no fewer than 1,200 persons beginning July 1, 2026 and every July 1 thereafter, until the list is exhausted.
* HB2784 was assigned to the Labor and Commerce Committee on Feb. 21….
Amends the Employment of Teachers Article of the School Code. Provides that in fixing the salaries of employees, a school board or the governing board of a joint agreement shall pay to employees an hourly rate of not less than (i) $20 for the 2024-2025 school year, (ii) $21 for the 2025-2026 school year, and (iii) $22 for the 2026-2027 school year. Provides that the minimum hourly rate for each school year thereafter shall equal the minimum salary rate for the previous school year increased by a percentage equal to the percentage increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for all items published by the United States Department of Labor for the previous school year. Provides that “employee” means any employee of a school district or joint agreement who provides educational support services to the district or joint agreement, including, but not limited to, custodial employees, transportation employees, food service providers, classroom assistants, administrative staff, or paraprofessional educators. Provides that an employee’s salary shall include any amount paid by the school district or joint agreement on behalf of the employee, as employee contributions, to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. Effective immediately.
* Some fun history about Casimir Pulaski Day…
Casimir Pulaski Day was first celebrated in Illinois in 1986. The bill was sponsored by the late Rep. Lemke, who campaigned for the bill for over a decade in an effort to recognize the contributions of Polish-Americans to the nation’s founding. pic.twitter.com/cgRFAUI0Xg
— IL House Democrats (@HouseDemsIL) March 6, 2023
posted by Isabel Miller
Tuesday, Mar 7, 23 @ 10:17 am
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==would allow hotels and other inns to evict customers who bad-mouth workers==
Depressing that we have to legislate civility . . .
Comment by out here in the middle Tuesday, Mar 7, 23 @ 10:51 am
Funny how much “disruptive technology” just seems to be scams designed to outsource costs to someone else, while also dodging taxes and regulation.
Comment by Homebody Tuesday, Mar 7, 23 @ 10:56 am
Rep. Vella: “That way after graduation they can have the ability to become a police officer … .”
The minimum age to be an Illinois police officer is 21.
65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-6 (e) allows 20 year old individuals who complete 2 years of college law enforcement courses to be hired, but they have no power of arrest nor can they carry firearms until age 21.
As long as there is a minimum age of 21, putting such courses in community colleges is problematic - there will be 19 year olds who can’t work as a law enforcement officer for another year plus after completing the courses.
Comment by Anyone Remember Tuesday, Mar 7, 23 @ 11:06 am
“The goal behind this bill is to get incoming college freshmen who want to work in the police or fire department to obtain an associate’s degree through a two-year course at a community college.” The goal of this bill is to ensure that police agencies never change, and continue to hire people that are under qualified and over paid. Chicago cops make almost $100,000 per year after a couple of years, so why do the IL Chiefs of Police and every other police “leadership” org continue to resist education? Because they are stuck in 1972, like it was when their old man/uncle joined the force.
As long as policing is full of blue collar Joe Six-Packs like John Catanzara instead of educated professionals, we as a society cannot expect better than Jon Burge and Jason Van Dyke. Very disappointed with Vella catering to lowering standards for police rather than raising expectations.
Comment by Payback Tuesday, Mar 7, 23 @ 11:28 am
Casimir Pulaski Day may be the first state holiday celebrating an intersex person.
Comment by Candy Dogood Tuesday, Mar 7, 23 @ 11:33 am
=Amends the Employment of Teachers Article of the School Code.=
This along with the full-day kindergarten bill may come with a hefty price tag but not additional revenue.
We have full-day kindergarten, but you may be surprised at he districts that do not.
A $20 per hour minimum for all school employees will definitely force some districts to reduce staff.
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Mar 7, 23 @ 11:40 am
What is the purpose of measuring the noise on Dusable Lake Shore Drive? What would the State do with that information?
Also, that stretch of road is actually a State highway - the State can install those monitors and legislation wouldn’t be needed.
(Spoiler alert: the motorcycles are loud and annoying.)
Comment by Just Me 2 Tuesday, Mar 7, 23 @ 11:48 am
– As long as policing is full of blue collar Joe Six-Packs like John Catanzara instead of educated professionals –
Thoughts on Catanzara aside, your elitism is showing. Might want to have that checked.
Comment by JB13 Tuesday, Mar 7, 23 @ 12:04 pm
I don’t believe any truly reputable, ethical dog or cat breeder would ever work with a chain store. Puppy mills and backyard breeders would, though.
Comment by Linda Tuesday, Mar 7, 23 @ 12:06 pm
The state’s goal of full day kindergarten and adding pre-K for young students is an admirable goal. The reality is that there is a shortage of teachers and staff to fill the classrooms.
Not only is there a staff shortage but equipment, materials, and manipulatives to develop small and large motor skills can be very expensive.
Every class should be equipped with a collection of the Caldecott award-winning books for children. A daily reading by the teacher provides opportunities for children to develop listening skills and to enrich vocabulary.
Comment by Rudy’s teeth Tuesday, Mar 7, 23 @ 12:10 pm
===As long as there is a minimum age of 21, putting such courses in community colleges is problematic - there will be 19 year olds who can’t work as a law enforcement officer for another year plus after completing the courses.
The average age of students in Illinois community and tech colleges is 26. Even if someone isn’t 21 there are non-sworn positions they can seek and get some experience before being eligible to be sworn though most won’t do that much before age 20 anyway.
Comment by ArchPundit Tuesday, Mar 7, 23 @ 12:17 pm
I am not convinced that decency cannot be found in the non-educated layer of society (the majority last I checked). Nor that Catanzara represents all of them.
Comment by cermak_rd Tuesday, Mar 7, 23 @ 12:27 pm
My great uncle Edward Pulaski, hero of 1910 Idaho forest fires, invented the forest fire fighting tool named for him, the “Pulaski”. An axe combined with a heavy hoe.
He could have made millions if he had patented it. Instead, he gave it up to the public.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Pulaski
Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Mar 7, 23 @ 12:28 pm
==As long as there is a minimum age of 21, putting such courses in community colleges is problematic - there will be 19 year olds who can’t work as a law enforcement officer for another year plus after completing the courses.
Average age of a community college student in Illinois is 26.
Comment by ArchPundit Tuesday, Mar 7, 23 @ 1:29 pm
===As long as policing is full of blue collar Joe Six-Packs like John Catanzara instead of educated professionals
Illinois requires an AA/AAS at least except for military service. Those are some of the higher standards in the nation. This bill wouldn’t lower the standards in any way–it simply allows the instruction for officers takes place within the community colleges. Obviously, community colleges would have to build a program and the field part of that might be in conjunction with current facilities.
Comment by ArchPundit Tuesday, Mar 7, 23 @ 1:47 pm
ArchPundit
===Average age of a community college student in Illinois is 26.===
In Illinois, 2 community colleges (DuPage, Southwest Illinois) have police academies that aren’t integrated into the degree granting programs. This proposal envisions getting recent high school graduates … who probably will graduate & yet be a year away from the age of 21. There will be “issues” … .
Comment by Anyone Remember Tuesday, Mar 7, 23 @ 3:20 pm
@ Huh? 12:28
Edward Pulaski featured in several courses I taught regularly over my 35 years in higher ed. I’ve visited the historic site where he saved so many of his men during the 1910 fires. My fav part of the story was when one of the survivors, seeing your uncle sprawled out near the tunnel opening, said something like “Looks like the old man’s had it.” At which your uncle stirred and said “Like h*** he has.” Always thought Sam Elliott should play that part if ever a movie were made. He was indeed a genuine hero.
Comment by Flapdoodle Tuesday, Mar 7, 23 @ 4:16 pm