For Immediate Release
April 14, 2011
Hunter helps education reform measure through Senate Springfield, IL – Legislation co-sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) implementing education reforms across Illinois passed the Illinois Senate today. Hunter released the following statement after its passage in the Illinois Senate:
"I would like to commend Senator Lightford for her diligent effort to bring all interested parties to the table to negotiate these significant reforms to our education structure in the state. Our current education system is failing our children. While these negotiations were emotional and personal, we owe our children the opportunity to receive the best education in the world. I also commend my colleagues for recognizing the importance of this measure and for promptly allowing its passage. Included in the measure are provisions that focus priority on teacher performance as opposed to seniority in cases of layoff, increased standards for awarding of tenure, an easier process to remove teachers with unsatisfactory performance and tougher strike stipulations. The measure has passed the Illinois Senate and now moves to the House for further consideration.