Update from Senator Bertino-Tarrant

Senator Bertino-Tarrant

February 8, 2017
Dear Friends,

As I continue to work in Springfield, I want to ensure you are updated as to what is happening at the Capitol, as well as our district.Below you will see a brief summary of legislation the Senate is working on currently, as well as in-district events.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,
Senator Bertino-Tarrant
49th District – Illinois

 

 

Moving forward on term limits for legislative leaders

Building on the success of the Illinois Senate recently adopting term limits for Senate leaders, I have refiled a constitutional amendment that would place term limits on all legislative leaders in state government.

Under my plan, legislators could not serve more than 10 years as leader. These term limits would apply to the Speaker of the House, the Senate President and the minority party leaders in both chambers.

I’m a firm believer that we need term limits for legislative leaders. Limits on leadership will help state government function better and allow for new ideas and a different vision.

If approved, my constitutional amendment would ensure the Illinois House joins the Illinois Senate in having term limits for leaders.

 

Senate Grand Bargain

The Senate continues to work on twelve bills that address many topics, including education funding, government consolidation, pensions, property taxes and gaming.

Voting on these issues began on Feb. 8. More information can be found at www.ilga.gov.

 

Satellite Office Hours- February 9

Making my office available and accessible to you has been a top priority since I became a State Senator. Offering unique opportunities to make your voice heard is how I am able to represent you in Springfield.

My staff will be available from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Bolingbrook Fire Station #5, 1900 Rodeo Drive. At this time you can address concerns or ask questions so that we can help state government work for you.

 

Kid’s Fair- February 20th

It is that time of year again for our annual kid’s fair. This year we have even more unique and fun opportunities.

For example, we will be offering a Mom’s Stroller Fitness class. The class will be at the beginning of the expo and is offered from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. A general form will be required to participate and class will start promptly at 9 a.m.

The event is a fun opportunity for families to spend some quality time together while the kid’s have a day off from school. We hope you can join us. Click the flyer for more information.

 

Legislative Town Hall- February 23rd

On Thursday, Febraury 23rd, I will be at Joliet Library to discuss what is happening in Springfield. Meeting with you is a top priority. I always appreciate your input.

You can click the flyer for more information. I hope to see you that evening and that we can have a great discussion about our great state.

 

District Office

15300 Route 59, Suite 202 • Plainfield, IL 60544

815-254-4211(Phone) • 815-254-4213(Fax)

Springfield Office

119B Capitol Building • Springfield, IL 62706

217-782-0052(Phone) • 217-782-1631(Fax)

www.SenatorBertinoTarrant.com

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ESP Insider News

 

Fight for $15 ESP roundtable TONIGHT

Presented by Dave Rathke
5–7 p.m.  |  IEA Naperville office

Click here for more information and to RSVP.

Join us TONIGHT for part two of the webinar series: Building effective teacher-paraeducator teams

(A three-part webinar series)
Wednesdays Feb. 1, 8 and 15  |  6-7 p.m.

Even if you missed the first webinar, you can still join us TONIGHT and next week. Click here for webinar details and registration information.

 

Say NO! to outsourcing

On Feb. 6, School District U-46 transportation drivers and supporters rallied against outsourcing.

Watch a video of IEA Vice President Kathi Griffin addressing the U-46 Board of Education.

 

Paraeducator at work

On Jan. 12, the multi-cultural club chaired by Liz Watkins (pictured) at Lyons Township High School hosted the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration in the performing arts center at south campus. In addition to student performances of music and poetry, the evening included guest presentations by retired LTHS Superintendent Dennis Kelly and retired LTHS Principal John L. Young. The event was a wonderful celebration of Dr. King’s commitment to respect and tolerance.

Thanks to Liz Watkins and the multi-cultural club for a wonderful evening celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy! Click here for photos and an article by the Chicago Tribune.

Black History Month

A story on the value of diversity and tolerance.

NEA ESP Conference

March 10–12  |  Dallas
Online registration is closed.

On-site registration will be available for all participants until full capacity is reached. Personal checks will NOT be accepted on-site. Click here to add your name to the conference waitlist. Adding your name to the waitlist tentatively reserves your space at the conference until you are able to register on-site.

NEA National Leadership Summit

Feb. 24-26  |  Orlando
Information

IEA statewide spring elections

There are several open ESP seats:

  • Council chairperson
  • Council vice chair
  • Council member (1-year term)
  • Council member (3-year term)
  • ESP Ethnic Minority council member
  • ESP South Central alternate (1-year term)
  • ESP North Central alternate (2-year term)
  • ESP Suburban representative
  • ESP Suburban alternate

Nomination deadline is Feb. 22

Visit the IEA website for additional information and online nomination forms.

Questions? Email Kim Trader or call her at 217.321.2250.

Important dates

  • TODAY, Feb. 8: Fight for $15 meeting, 5:30 p.m., Naperville office
  • Feb. 22: Nominations due
  • Feb. 24-26: NEA Leadership Summit, Orlando
  • Mar. 4: ESP Council meeting/IEA candidate interviews
  • Mar. 29: Online voting instructions mailed

 

Visit NEA Member Benefits for discounts, tax resources and cash rewards

 

Click & Save

Quick links

Contact IEA Connect for all your IEA-related questions

7 a.m.–7 p.m.  |  Monday–Friday
Contact an IEA Connect specialist by phone, email or live chat.

Advocacy Alert

Tell your state Senator: Oppose bills that hurt kids, educators

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The Illinois Senate is preparing to vote on a series of bills touted as a partial solution to the state’s budget crisis.

Some of the bills being considered would have a negative impact on students, school districts and retirement benefits for active TRS and SURS participants.

We oppose SB 13 and SB 11

Find contact information for your state senator 

Tell your senator to Vote NO on SB 13 because:

  • A property tax freeze will make it harder for school districts to provide a quality education if their budgets can’t be adjusted when costs increase.
  • Reducing physical education hurts students. Research proves PE combats childhood obesity and helps with behavioral issues.
  • Reducing access to safe and affordable driver’s education hurts students who, without in-school driver’s ed, would have no other way to obtain the training needed to get a driver’s license.
  • Eliminating hard-won protections against outsourcing would make school buildings and transportation facilities less safe for students.

Tell your senator to Vote No on SB 11 because:

  • Senate Bill 11 forces Tier 1 employees to choose between two ways of diminishing their pension. It is an unconstitutional attack on pensions.

The vote could come at any time. Make the call NOW. 217-782-2000

Find contact information for your state senator

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