Adds special education staff to the current dissolution process

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois has 852 school districts, some of which have sought consolidation in recent years. One consideration is personnel issues such as contracts, compensation and seniority, and they affect educators, support staff and other faculty members.

State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) introduced a measure to help address one personnel concern: special education staffers' contracts would transfer to the newly formed districts when public school districts or special education cooperatives are being formed, annexed or reorganized.Senate Bill 3709 passed in the Senate Wednesday.

SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) passed legislation last week to help the Kendall County Courthouse grow to serve the demand for additional facilities and more timely resolution of court cases.

Senate Bill 3737 would allow the county to finish space that was built but never completed, and to house additional judicial staff hired to support the increasing needs for court services in the growing county.

“Kendall County was the fastest growing county in the U.S. from 2000 to 2010, and the fastest growing county in Illinois from 2010 to 2020, having grown its population by 141% since 2000,” Holmes said. “Population growth means the courthouse needs expanding to meet the county’s legal proceedings, and I’m happy to help make this happen.”

SPRINGFIELD – A measure to simplify the process for use of a county recorder’s official seal passed the Illinois Senate Wednesday, under the leadership of Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora).

Sen. Holmes introduced Senate Bill 3187 to streamline the recording process to establish a stamped or electronic version of the county seal satisfies the signature requirement for record instruments.

“The Illinois Association of County Clerks and Reporters approached me about clarifying this issue after a Sangamon County Recorder’s office customer believed the printed name of the Recorder should be considered a signature,” Holmes said. “In any case where there is doubt as to whether a printed Recorder’s name is legal, this clearly states the recorded document is legal.”

SPRINGFIELD - Educators throughout the state spend their own money for classroom supplies and materials with no expectation of repayment, but that will change if State Senator Linda Holmes’ (D-Aurora) Senate Bill 1143 becomes law. The measure passed the full Senate Thursday.

“Our school funding falls short of what materials students need in the classroom, and I’m pleased we can offer support in the gap between what district funding affords and how much educators are voluntarily spending out of their own pockets for these items,” Holmes said.

Senate Bill 1143 amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to allow a tax credit in the amount paid by the educator or other school staff for classroom-based instructional materials to an amount equal to the expenses, but not to exceed $300, beginning in taxable year 2023. In current law, the maximum credit allowed is $250.