Legislative Update

By Betsy D. Mitchell
Legislative Consultant
March 4, 2010

As this is being written, the legislature is busy every week in session in Springfield. Thousands of bills have been introduced. Below please find a highlight of some of the bill introduced that affects Illinois AEYC. For each bill, the sponsor is noted along with where they are from and which party they are associated with. Please use this document when talking to your legislators. To read the entire bill, go to: http://www.ilga.gov

HB5322 (Currie, D/Chicago) and SB 2594 (Lightford,D/Chicago) – Removes the sunset language for the grants for the for preschool for all educational program so that this program may continue to be funded as funds are available. If signed into law,the bill becomes effective immediately. Illinois AEYC supports this legislation.

SB2820(Altoff, R/Crystal Lake) – creates a fee on the issue and renewal of licenses to all child care facilities. Fees would be due at the time of application. Illinois AEYC strongly opposes this legislation and at this time we are working with the sponsor and other organizations (AFC, Voices, Ounce) on finding a compromise. This legislation was introduced in part from suggestions from DCFS and parents of a child beaten todeath at a child care facility in Lincolnshire, Illinois.

SB3507(Jones, D/Chicago) –Requires the Illinois Early Learning Council to make recommendations for the early childhood block grant appropriation needed to make available high-quality early childhood and family education programs and services to all eligible children. Requires the State Board of Education to provide such data to the Council as is reasonably required for the proper performance by the Council of its responsibilities. Provides that the Council shall make its recommendation to the General Assembly on or before January 1 of each odd-numbered year, beginning on or before January 1, 2011. Illinois AEYC is closely monitoring this legislation.

SB3460 (Harman, D/Oak Park) – This bill provides that a public school district must provide local matching funds in an amount equal to 10% of the early childhood construction grant (rather than the amount of the grant). Provides that the Capital Development Board may adopt rules that include requirements that new or improved facilities be used for early childhood and other related programs for a period of at least 10 years. Effective July 1, 2010. Illinois AEYC supports this legislation.

SB3472(Hutchenson, D/Chicago) – Changes the conditions under which a pupil may self-administer his or her medication or epinephrine auto-injector. Provides that accommodations as provided in specified provisions shall be included in a pupil's Individualized Education Plan or Section 504 Plan under the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, whichever applies. This bill was presented in the Senate Education Committee. There was strong opposition from school nurses. The bill was sent to the Subcommittee on School Mandates for further consideration at a later date. Illinois AEYC is monitoring this legislation.

SB3477(John O. Jones, R/Mt.Vernon) – Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code to provide that as a condition of initial eligibility for any benefits (including childcare), an applicant must pass a urine drug test every 12 months, at a random time designated by the Department of Human Services or the Department of Health care and Family Services. If a recipient tests positive, the recipient is thereafter ineligible for child care services for their children. They can be re-tested after six months and be reinstated for benefits. Illinois AEYC opposes this legislation.

Who do you know? Let us know who you know in state government.
If you know your legislators or are willing to get to know them, please let us know. If you are willing to get to know your legislator, we can help. Contact Tonya, Director of Programs, 800.773.0369 [toll free] and/or tonya@illinoisaeyc.org or Betsy at betsy@cook-witter.com

If you are unsure who your legislators are contact us or go to the Illinois State Board of Elections web site: http://www.elections.il.gov/. Click here to go to the site: Findingdistricts and elected officials.

Become your legislators expert on early learning and child care issues. Invite legislators to visit your center or office so they can see what you do... Let them see firsthand the vital service you provide to your community and how there is a critical need to continue to help all children and their families.