Mason Supports Bills to Increase Equity in Education and Economic Opportunities

GURNEE, Ill. – Following the conclusion of the 101st General Assembly’s special legislative session this month, state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is applauding the passage of several measures put forth by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus to address racial and socioeconomic disparities in public education and the economy.

“It is vital that we are doing all we can to ensure that every student, no matter their zip code or socioeconomic status, is given a quality public education in Illinois,” Mason said. “House Bill 2170 makes new additions to our school curriculum requirements to ensure students of all backgrounds are being equipped with the resources and education they need to succeed after high school. I’m proud to have voted to pass this measure.”

Under House Bill 2170, students would be required to take a foreign language course and a laboratory science class to graduate from high school. The laboratory science requirement would take effect during the 2024-2025 school year, and the foreign language requirement would take effect during the 2028-2029 school year. House Bill 2170 would also increase the amount of Black history taught in Illinois classrooms. House Bill 2170 received approval in the House and Senate and now goes to Gov. Pritzker’s desk to be signed into law

“This month, I also voted to pass several pieces of legislation that address economic racial disparities. These bills increase support for minority-owned businesses, eliminate discriminatory housing practices that disproportionately impact communities of color and strengthen our existing equal pay laws,” Mason said. “I applaud members of the Black Caucus for their hard work on getting these and other critically-needed racial and socioeconomic equality measures passed out of both chambers.”

Mason voted in favor of passing Senate Bills 1480, 1608, 1792 and 1980. The measures make up the economic pillar of the legislative agenda that was proposed by the Black Caucus during the last months of the 101st General Assembly. All four bills now await final approval from the governor.