MARYVILLE – As part of the state’s response to COVID-19, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) supported legislation to help school districts address the challenges created by the pandemic, signed into law Thursday by the governor.

Senate Bill 1569 makes a number of changes that help schools adjust to remote learning and other challenges imposed by the pandemic, including:

• Allowing for the creation of remote learning days and remote learning plans,
• Allowing for a combination of remote learning and in-person instruction,
• Suspending clock hour requirements when a disaster is declared,
• Affirming graduation modifications granted to Spring 2020 graduates, and
• Allowing mandated exams to be completed remotely.

“No one can predict our circumstances in the fall. This law allows school districts to adapt,” Crowe said. “It should help educators find new ways of educating students through e-learning.”

Because teacher evaluations for the 2020-2021 school year have been paused due to COVID-19, the measure extends teacher license renewals by one year.

The legislation also extends a law allowing retired teachers to return to the classroom as substitutes for up to 120 paid days or 600 paid hours without impairing their retirement status.

“Illinois’ teacher shortage continues to affect communities throughout the state,” Crowe said. “Recognizing the ongoing struggle for downstate school districts to staff qualified teachers, this initiative protects retired teachers’ benefits while allowing them to serve as long-term substitutes.”

Finally, the legislation also makes it easier for college students who receive financial assistance through the Aspirational Institutional Match Illinois Grow Higher Education Grant Pilot Program, also known as AIM HIGH, to retain their aid for the duration of their four years of undergraduate studies.

AIM HIGH provides financial assistance to eligible low-income students who attend one of the state’s 12 public universities. Under the measure, the income of a student when entering the program will be the income of the student for the life of the program.

Senate Bill 1569 is effective immediately.

Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs promotes ‘Operation Rising Spirit’

MARYVILLE – In response to visiting restrictions placed on Illinois veterans’ homes to curb the spread of COVID-19, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs launched a campaign to raise the spirits of military veterans and the staff who care for them, and State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) is encouraging residents to participate.

“Although there is a lot going on in the world, we can’t forget to express support for our veterans,” Crowe said. “I challenge anyone with extra time, students wanting to express their creativity and our most patriotic residents to send uplifting messages of encouragement to our heroes.”

Families, friends, students, veteran service organizations, and other community members from across the state are encouraged to participate in Operation Rising Spirit. Cards, emails, signs and video messages can be sent directly to the homes at the addresses below:

Illinois Veterans' Home at Anna

792 N. Main St., Anna, IL 62906

C/O: Anthony Barnett

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 Illinois Veterans' Home at LaSalle

1015 O'Conor Ave., LaSalle, IL 61301

C/O: Susan Scully

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Illinois Veterans' Home at Manteno

1 Veterans Dr., Manteno, IL 60950

C/O: Dave Pedersen

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Illinois Veterans' Home at Quincy

1707 N. 12th St., Quincy, IL 62301

C/O: Sara Colgrove

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Prince Home at Manteno

1 Veterans Dr., Manteno, IL 60950

C/O Wali Lewis

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

More information is available on the IDVA website.

MARYVILLE — Recognizing the lasting, devastating financial effects the COVID-19 pandemic could have on working families, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) joined lawmakers Monday to announce state funds being made available to help residents directly with their utility bills and to confront the root causes of poverty.

“This pandemic has been difficult for so many people. The last thing residents need to worry about is keeping the lights on,” Crowe said. “By investing funds in the LIHEAP program, Illinois is committed to supporting working families struggling to make ends meet.”

At a press conference in Belleville at the Community Interfaith Food Pantry, Crowe expressed support for expanding the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Community Services Block Grant. The programs are backed by $90 million in CARES Act funding. The increased funding will become available when next year’s state budget starting on July 1, 2020.

Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, LIHEAP allows residents who meet the income requirements to qualify for emergency assistance to cover the costs of utility bills.

The CSBG provides funds to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty in communities.

For more information and applications, visit www.helpillinoisfamilies.com.