Senator Susan Garrett News

Hearing discusses ways to improve transparency in both public, private drivers education programs

Chicago, IL- State Senator Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest) led a Senate Education Committee hearing earlier this week discussing oversight of both public and private drivers education programs.  The subject matter hearing was held at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago and featured testimony from the Illinois State Police, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office and the Illinois State Board of Education.

"Illinois students, whether they are enrolled in a public high school drivers education program or in a private driving school, should be taught by the same standards and with the same consistency," Garrett said.  "Any disparity in the quality of instruction should be looked into and corrected." 

Read more: Garrett Holds Drivers Education Oversight Hearing

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Legislation sponsored by State Senator Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest) that encourages the sharing of certain school district services was recently signed by Governor Quinn.

Senate Bill 2134 allows school districts to consolidate certain functions with other districts in areas such as bidding and purchasing, information technology, grant writing, food service management, payroll, professional development and even administrative positions. Regional superintendents of schools, after receiving a request from a local district, may evaluate and offer potential services that may be shared with another district.

Read more: Governor Signs Legislation Encouraging School Service Sharing

Measure will increase rate of electronic recycling

HIGHWOOD, Illinois – Legislation sponsored by State Senator and Majority Caucus Whip Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest) that will help increase the recycling rate of discarded electronics was signed yesterday by Governor Quinn.

Senate Bill 2106 implements several changes to the Electronic Products Recycling and Reuse Act that was passed several years ago to regulate e-waste disposal. Changes to the Act include expanding the list of available recyclables, instituting a grant program for county officials to inform residents of recycling opportunities as well as increasing the fines on manufacturers who fail to meet set recycling goals.

Read more: Garrett’s E-Waste Recycling Legislation Signed into Law