Delivered via email: January 10, 2025
Also passed during the final hours of Lame Duck session was SB457, sponsored by Senator Ram Villivalam and Representative Kevin John Olickal. This was a legislative initiative regarding halal and kosher meals (HB3643) which passed both chambers during the 2023 Spring Session. It was later vetoed by Governor Pritzker who cited concerns that ISBE could not execute the contract and no funds were appropriated along with the bill. SB457 addresses the Governor’s concerns regarding implementation of the contract, removing his opposition. However, SB457, like HB3643, is subject to appropriation and it is unlikely to receive any funding in the upcoming budget cycle with a $3 billion deficit.
If funds are appropriated, the bill would require ISBE to secure a master contract for Halal and Kosher meals to provide school districts throughout the state access to these meals to serve students, upon their request. School districts would only be required to provide these meals if funds are appropriated by the legislature and if ISBE is able to secure a contract. Some legislators who voted against the bill expressed frustration with passing bills subject to appropriations without accompanying funding and cautioned against passing new initiatives before other educational priorities such as transportation are fully funded.
The inauguration of the 104th General Assembly took place on Wednesday, January 8, marking the official start of the new legislative session. With the first day of the new session scheduled for January 9, attention now shifts to the legislative agenda for the year ahead. If interested in additional legislative dates, please see the House and Senate Calendars.
To attend, you need to register as an Advocacy Ambassador. Please register to be an Advocacy Ambassador under the Advocacy tab on the IASB website. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at govrel@iasb.com.
Legislature Convenes Lame Duck Session
The Illinois Lame Duck legislative session officially began on Saturday, January 4. The session's start coincided with a winter storm that swept through Springfield and much of Central and Southern Illinois, triggering a snow emergency and creating challenging conditions for lawmakers. Despite the weather disruptions, the first few days of session continued and were largely consumed by extended caucus discussions. The majority of bills heard in committees and on the floor during the Lame Duck session were not related to K-12 education.Education-Related Bills
Among the notable pieces of legislation that did advance on the final day of Lame Duck session was HB297 which brings changes to the Illinois Education Labor Relations Act but only applies to the Chicago Public School District.Also passed during the final hours of Lame Duck session was SB457, sponsored by Senator Ram Villivalam and Representative Kevin John Olickal. This was a legislative initiative regarding halal and kosher meals (HB3643) which passed both chambers during the 2023 Spring Session. It was later vetoed by Governor Pritzker who cited concerns that ISBE could not execute the contract and no funds were appropriated along with the bill. SB457 addresses the Governor’s concerns regarding implementation of the contract, removing his opposition. However, SB457, like HB3643, is subject to appropriation and it is unlikely to receive any funding in the upcoming budget cycle with a $3 billion deficit.
If funds are appropriated, the bill would require ISBE to secure a master contract for Halal and Kosher meals to provide school districts throughout the state access to these meals to serve students, upon their request. School districts would only be required to provide these meals if funds are appropriated by the legislature and if ISBE is able to secure a contract. Some legislators who voted against the bill expressed frustration with passing bills subject to appropriations without accompanying funding and cautioned against passing new initiatives before other educational priorities such as transportation are fully funded.
Legislators Leaving and Inauguration Day
In recognition of their service, several distinguished members of the Illinois Senate and House were honored during the session. The Senate acknowledged Senators Win Stoller, Thomas Bennett, and Natalie Toro for their dedication and contributions to the state of Illinois. Similarly, the House paid tribute to outgoing Representatives Randy Frese, Dan Caulkins, Mary Flowers, Kelly Burke, Jenn Ladisch-Douglass, Lance Yednock, and Cyril Nichols for their years of service to their districts and the state.The inauguration of the 104th General Assembly took place on Wednesday, January 8, marking the official start of the new legislative session. With the first day of the new session scheduled for January 9, attention now shifts to the legislative agenda for the year ahead. If interested in additional legislative dates, please see the House and Senate Calendars.
First Advocacy Ambassadors Meeting of 2025
The IASB Governmental Relations team would love for you to join the Advocacy Ambassador program. The first meeting will be held virtually on zoom at noon on Friday, February 7. It will include a summary of Lame Duck session, an overview of IASB’s 2025 legislative priorities and initiatives, and an opportunity for members to ask questions and provide feedback to the IASB governmental relations team.To attend, you need to register as an Advocacy Ambassador. Please register to be an Advocacy Ambassador under the Advocacy tab on the IASB website. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at govrel@iasb.com.