SPRINGFIELD, IL-State Sen. Ed Maloney (D-Chicago) has introduced legislation that should result in retirees working with school students.

"Our seniors and retirees are an invaluable part of the community," Maloney said. "We need to find a way for them to share their wisdom and experience with Illinois’ students."

Senate Bill 3148 creates the Interdependence of Generations Task Force. This voluntary, unpaid task force will explore ways to integrate senior volunteers into Illinois’ school system, improving student performance and helping retirees stay active. Overseen by Southern Illinois University School of Law’s Center for Health Law and Policy, the task force will be composed of representatives from education, higher education, state aging organizations, service organizations, and businesses. It will also incorporate at least two current retirees.

"Far too many students fail to graduate high school," Maloney said. "But a recent study by Washington University in St. Louis found that when at-risk youth are tutored by older adults, their reading skills improve and they become more likely to graduate."

Senior citizens would also benefit from the program. Retirees who remain connected to their communities, are more likely to remain happy and healthy. Being involved with service, learning and volunteer work can greatly improve older adults’ mental health and feeling of social inclusion.

"This legislation benefits seniors. It benefits children. It benefits schools," Maloney said. "I look forward to hearing the task force’s report so that we can get a program of some sort up and running."

Senate Bill 3148 has passed the Senate Higher Education Committee and now awaits a vote in the full Senate.