Springfield ─ Yesterday, I voted in favor of SB 2822, which requires the state to give $215.2 million to the pension fund for fiscal year 2017. The importance of this bill cannot be overstated. The future of over a quarter of a million students will be affected by the passage or failure of this bill. A learning environment fraught with uncertainty is detrimental to the prospects of the children and in turn the state.

Educators are the unsung heroes of society. My love of reading and writing was ignited by passion of educators in Chicago. They inspire innovation, mentor creativity and open doors of opportunity for children.  

The advancement of our state relies on the maintenance of our education system and teachers are an integral part of it. They assist in the cultivation of young minds and push students to reach their potential. After years of public service, they deserve a reliable pension.

The needs of Chicago public school teachers have not fallen on deaf ears, but the efforts of the Illinois Senate will be in vain if the House does not follow suit in supporting the fundamental needs of educators. Educators invest in our students and we should invest in our teachers as well. As senator of the 16th District, I support this bill.

Springfield ─ For many Americans who’ve lost family members, the bereavement process has profound effects on their lives. As a Senator of the 16th District, I have endured personal lost and know the challenges my constituents face in times of mourning.  Losing a friend or family member is devastating and the complications that derive from the lost are multifaceted.

Financial turmoil is the last thing mourning relatives need to focus on. Insurance companies utilize discretion when disclosing information about unclaimed life insurance policies. In turn, the family of the deceased is often uninformed regarding the financial coverage of their loved one.

These practices fuel a troublesome burden for many families unable to fully cover the funeral arrangements and medical bills. Treasurer Frerichs has created a task force to investigate unclaimed life insurance policies. I am proud to be on that task force. The findings of this task force has shed light on the difficulties countless people encounter while attempting to uncover the existence of unclaimed insurance policies. There are also relatives that paid funeral costs out of pocket and are unaware of pre-existing life insurance policies.

Unclaimed insurance has the ability to reduce or prevent debt, after someone passes away. Life insurance policies are crucial for relatives of the deceased. It is my hope that the exertions of this task force will create legislature which alleviate the fiscal uncertainty of those able to receive unclaimed life insurance.

Springfield ─ The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Council on Urban Affairs is seeking applicants for its first class of research fellows. This is a great opportunity for students looking to advance their knowledge of Illinois legislature. The fellows work closely with members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. Fellow tasks include but are not limited to developing issues, drafting legislative, serving as the ILBCF’s policy expert, communications and attending several seminars to help them discover more aspects of state government. Click on the link before for more information:

https://illinoislegislativeblackcaucus.org/2016/09/02/illinois-legislative-black-caucus-foundation-announces-spring-fellowship/