CHICAGO — On Jan. 1, prospective student-teachers in Illinois will be required to go through the same background check process as a regular teacher. Senate Bill 706, passed during the last session of the 99th General Assembly, improved the process of how to properly screen student-teacher candidates.

The legislation is the result of a multi-year discussion between Senator Bill Cunningham (D-18), the Illinois State Board of Education and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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On Monday, December 7, the Senate voted to pass SB 2039. The legislation would release many non-GRF funds to go where they belong. The Motor Fuel Tax money, or gas tax, is one of the group of funds being released to local governments.

“It is time that we give this money to the communities that need it for public safety issues, like fixing potholes,” said Senator Bill Cunningham, who voted to send gas tax revenue to local communities in May, as well.

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(Chicago) – Every year, Oak Lawn and Orland Park-area residents pay over $1.4 million dollars each in state gas taxes, but the budget impasse means Springfield is keeping the money rather than sending it back to help pay for road salt, patching potholes and other necessary road projects and maintenance.

“The gas tax money needs to go back to the local communities where it belongs,” said Senator Bill Cunningham, who represents parts of Oak Lawn and Orland Park.  “We passed legislation that would give the money to local communities and the governor decided to veto that legislation.”

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Senator Bill Cunningham (D-18), Representative Kelly Burke (D-36) and Representative Fran Hurley (D-35) are hosting a Silver Beat Seminar on Wednesday December 9 at 1:00 pm. The event will be at the Worth Township Office at 11601 S. Pulaski Ave. Alsip, IL.

The Silver Beat seminar is an educational training program created by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to ensure that seniors have the knowledge and tools they need to better protect themselves from con artists and deceptive business practices.

For more information or to register, click the flyer to the left or call (773) 445-8128.

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