Scherer Reflects on Spring Session, Underscores Support for Education, First Responders

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – With the passage of a balanced budget and the conclusion of the General Assembly’s spring session Wednesday, state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, reflected on her efforts to uplift Illinois’ families by cutting the cost of health care, supporting first responders, strengthening our schools and standing up for Central Illinois.

“When we’re responsible with our budget and work to make government more efficient, we can direct resources toward the issues that families care about,” said Scherer. “This budget is going to deliver $350 million in additional resources toward our schools, will help to eliminate medical debt for Illinois families and will support our first responders – including needed funding for additional Illinois State Police cadet classes.”

Reflecting on her teaching background, this session Scherer led passage of a plan (House Bill 5057) to cut red tape for prospective teachers and realign K-6 content tests so that they reflect the material teachers will need to know in the classroom. She also supported a major health insurance reform (House Bill 5395) that bans ineffective step therapy and other gimmicks used by companies to justify inadequate health care delivery.

In support of first responders, she backed an increase in paid family leave for firefighters (House Bill 3908), as well as a proposal (House Bill 4460) that would require health insurance plans include coverage for marriage and couple’s counseling for police and firefighters. Additionally, she sponsored legislation (House Bill 2161) to prohibit employees from being discriminated against because of caretaker responsibilities.

“As a lifelong educator, Decatur resident and grandmother, I have always fought for what our community needs and strongly opposed tax increases,” Scherer said. “We want safer communities, better schools and more affordable health care. This session we’ve taken strong steps forward for these Central Illinois priorities, but more work remains. I’m optimistic that we can continue to work together to build a stronger Illinois for everyone.”