Signed on December 30, Public Act 97-0648 takes effect immediately and will expand enrollment from 600 to 720 students. Two House Amendments to the bill stipulate at least half of each incoming class enrollment be reserved for those who live near the school. "I am grateful to Governor Quinn for signing this bill so quickly because it allows Principal William Hook to take advantage of this expansion in the upcoming school year," Senator Maloney said. "This is a high-demand, well-recognized agriculture business and science program, and this will produce even more job candidates for this key Illinois industry." CHSAS provides Chicago area high school students who are strong in math and science studies opportunities to pursue studies and careers in the agriculture business and science fields. Open since 1985, the school produces college and university scholarship and internship candidates, and its focused curriculum motivates students to stay in school. The school also provides much-needed opportunities for special education students. The school is nationally known as the premier model for secondary agricultural education and a benchmark for other ag schools in the U.S.
Governor Pat Quinn signed a bill last week sponsored by State Senator Ed Maloney (D-Chicago) creating more opportunities for students to attend the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences for the 2012-13 school year.
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Senate Bill 1226 expands the enrollment size from 600 to 720 students. CHSAS opened in 1985 to provide a curriculum to Chicago area high school students who are strong in math and science studies and have potential in the agriculture business and science fields. Students there have opportunities for college and university scholarships and internships, and the focused curriculum provides motivation and prevents dropping out. The school also provides much-needed opportunities for special education students. “Demand has been increasing because the Ag Science School appeals to students interested in advancing their knowledge and skills in agriculture, one of our state’s most important industries,” said Senator Maloney. “Expanding the enrollment maximum will give Principal William Hook greater capacity to give area students an opportunity to get engaged in this recognized program of academic excellence and hands-on learning.” Two House Amendments this week added stipulations that at least half of enrollment positions in each incoming class must be reserved for students who live within proximity to the school (all areas within the existing city limits of Chicago located south of 87th Street and west of Wood Street). CHSAS has garnered national attention as the premier model for secondary agricultural education and a benchmark for potential schools like it in other US cities. The bill now goes to the Governor’s desk.
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is pushing legislation that would make farmers' markets and other community events more accessible to individual members of the community—not just large businesses with commercial kitchens. "To me, the whole point of something like a farmers' market is to give people a chance to buy locally produced products," Koehler said. "If this law passes, it opens the door for more people to participate and sell things like homemade pies and cookies."
State Senator Ed Maloney (D-Chicago) passed a bill in the Illinois Senate Thursday that will provide more opportunities for students to attend the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences and study agricultural science and business.
"Many of our local farmers use all terrain vehicles to assist with their day-to-day operations," Wilhelmi said. "While traveling in and out of their fields, it is virtually impossible to refrain from using public roads. It is important that we protect this practice by clearly defining which types of vehicles are allowed. This will allow our farmers to continue their current custom and practice and ensure compliance with the law." "I am truly honored to receive this award from the Association," Frerichs said. "We have made great progress in the Senate in our conservation efforts and I look forward to continuing this worthy cause. The soil and water conservation districts play a vital role in the sustainability of our environment in Illinois. It is imperative that we continue to support these efforts to ensure the quality and preservation of our environment for future generations."
"Ensuring that schools have direct access to quality produce is a simple way to help reduce the growing epidemic of childhood obesity," Holmes said. "Childhood obesity contributes to a myriad of diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. In addition, much of the produce that is consumed in Illinois is injected with unhealthy preservatives so that it can travel across the country without spoiling. We want to provide fresh, local produce to our students that is healthier and more readily available. It will also help reduce food costs for the school districts and support our local agrarian economy. It is a win-win for all parties involved."
"Agriculture put Illinois on the map," Maloney said. "Many of the major manufacturers who helped build the Chicagoland economy produced agricultural equipment. The Chicago Board of Trade is the world’s oldest futures and options exchange, and it’s based largely on agricultural commodities. To this day, Illinois is a leader in the production of important foods like corn, soybeans, and pork products." |
SPRINGFIELD, IL –A measure passed by State Senator Michael Frerichs (D – Champaign) would put the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in charge of overseeing hydraulic fracturing. If signed into law, Senate Bill 664 would move Illinois one step closer to safely implementing the practice known as "fracking".
SPRINGFIELD, IL – A new law sponsored by State Sen. AJ Wilhelmi (D-Joliet) that allows farmers to operate an all terrain vehicle (ATV) on county and township roads for farming purposes was signed into law this week by Governor Quinn.
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts held its annual banquet this week and presented State Senator Michael Frerichs (D – Champaign) with its "Legislator of the Year" award. The award is presented annually to the lawmaker who exemplifies the Association’s spirit and commitment to fight for conservation.
SPRINGFIELD, IL – OAK PARK, IL - State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) joined state and local officials at a press conference Saturday morning where Governor Quinn signed into law Senate Bill 615. Holmes is the chief-sponsor of the legislation which creates a farm-to-school database to facilitate the purchase of fresh produce and food products by schools. 