Governor Signs Unes Bills to Benefit Illinois Schools

-


Today, Governor Bruce Rauner signed into law two bills sponsored by State Representative Mike Unes (R-East Peoria) that benefit Illinois schools.  The first bill, HB 4675, ensures that federal pass-thru dollars to community colleges for adult education and career and technical training programs are not delayed by the Comptroller’s Office, even in the absence of a state budget.  The second, SB 2823, allows high school building and trades programs to sell homes constructed as a part of their curriculum through a licensed real estate agent rather than through the standard public bidding process for “state property.”  The bill was first introduced in the Senate by Senator Dave Koehler.

“I was very proud to sponsor and help ensure the passage of both of these bills by the House during this past legislative session, and am pleased to see them become law today.  I remain a strong advocate of strengthening our public school systems at all levels, and know that both of these pieces of legislation will have a very positive impact on several institutions not just within the 91st District but across the entire State of Illinois,” said Rep Mike Unes. 

Currently, 45% of Spoon River College’s budget for its Adult Education programs is comprised of federal dollars, and amounts to about $65,000 annually.  They also receive approximately $79,965 in federal Perkins funds, which support their Career and Technical Education programs. Illinois Central College receives roughly $400,000 annually in federal subsidies for its own programs of this kind.  Both institutions are in the 91st District.

The High School Building and Trades legislation was drafted and introduced as a direct result of concerns expressed by Pekin Community High School, also in the 91st District. 

For more information on either HB 4675 or SB 2823, please contact Representative Unes’ Pekin District Office at 309-620-8631.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Illinois Chamber, Government Affairs Report

-
Image
          GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ------------ Report     July 12th, 2024    This Week in Illinois   President & CEO Sandoval Testifies in Senate Transportation Committee Hearing on Mass Transit and the Economy   On Tuesday, the first of at least six hearings on public transit was held at the Bilandic Building in Chicago. There is an anticipated funding gap that will arise for regional transit in 2026 after COVID-related federal funding has been exhausted. The budget deficit is projected to be $730 million to return to pre-pandemic service levels. This first Senate Transportation Committee hearing was on how transit suppor...
Read more

Local High School to Win a SMART Board in 5th Annual Recycle Your Style Contest

-
Goodwill of Central Illinois will hold the 5th Annual Recycle Your Style Contest. High school students within Goodwill’s territory are encouraged to donate their used clothing. The high school that donates the most pounds of clothing will win a SMART Board donated by Bradfield’s Computer Supply. The contest runs from October 1st through October 31st. “This has been a very successful campaign for us,” said Bob Parkhurst, Goodwill Vice President. “We are grateful for Bradfield’s Computer Supply’s donation of a SMART Board each year. That prize really heats up the competition among the high schools.” Donations of items other than clothing are encouraged, but only clothing will count toward the contest. Only high schools are eligible, but others can participate including teachers, family and school supporters. Donors need to tell the Goodwill donation attendant which high school they are supporting for their donation to be counted. Donations can be made at any of Goodwill’s nine stores o...
Read more