Newsletters

The school year may be winding down but the legislature is finally getting down to business in its final month of session. Funding for the textbook block grant may have a chance, and CCI is ready with legislation in case some monies become available. Rep. Kelly Burke, D-Oak Lawn, has introduced House Bill 2321, while Sen. Bill Cunningham, D-Chicago, is sponsoring Senate Bill 2152. Read about these measures other education legislation that may be considered by the legislature in CCI's April 2013 Education Newsletter.

Four school choice bills have been introduced in the new legislative session — two in the House and two in the Senate. Although CCI supports all of these measures, each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Learn more about these initiatives, as well as other state education news, in our February 2013 Education Newsletter.

Happy Catholic Schools Week! We want our Catholic schools to continue their fine work, so in this newsletter, we lay out the goals that will guide our education advocacy efforts for the next two years as the lawmakers elected in November take their seats in the 98th General Assembly. Topping our wish list is a restoration of funding to the Textbook Block Grant, Educational Improvement and School Safety Block Grant, and the Parent/Guardian Transportation Reimbursement programs. Want to know more? Click here to read the January 2013 newsletter.

 Democrats in both the state House and Senate won enough seats in the Nov. 6 election to hold a supermajority in each chamber, meaning they have enough votes to pass legislation without input from Republicans. The Democrats will also be able to override any legislation vetoed by the governor. Read the November Education newsletter to see what this means for our education agenda for the upcoming 2013 legislative session.