by Dean Abbott – Radio Communications Manager
Office of Illinois House Republicans
State Representative Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) discussed legislation to promote childhood literacy at a press conference at the Illinois Capitol on Thursday. The bills are part of a package of legislation put forward by the House Republicans’ Literacy Improves Future Endeavors (LIFE) working group.
Swanson spoke about the working group which was established to address learning loss, improve reading literacy, and restore Illinois students to a place where they are competitive in today’s world
House Bill 4066 which requires the State Board of Education to create a Parent Advisory Committee, by December 31, 2023, for the purpose of reviewing and making recommendations to the State Board with respect to the State Board’s process of adopting new teaching or learning standards.
The bill requires the State Board to review and consider the recommendations made by the committee prior to adopting a proposed teaching or learning standard, but does not require the State Board to accept any of the recommendations.
The other four working groups established by the House Republican Caucus include:
- Sustaining & Protecting At-Risk Kids: to protect children in the state’s care from abuse and neglect
- Supporting Women and Families: to make Illinois a place where families can move and grow for generations
- Reigniting Illinois’ Strong Economy: to improve Illinois’ business climate, while still protecting workers and using our strengths – geography, workforce, and resources – to bring job creators and opportunity home
- Improving Public Safety: to make our neighborhoods safe again, protect law-abiding citizens, and respect law enforcement
