SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Responding to Gov. Rauner’s veto of legislation that would have expanded job opportunities and helped alleviate the shortage of substitute teachers in school districts throughout Illinois, state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, issued the following statement:

“As a teacher for more than 30 years, I believe in expanding opportunities for individuals who want to serve students in our communities. I am disappointed that the governor vetoed my common-sense legislation that would have increased the pool of substitute teachers by eliminating the substitute teaching license fee.

“Especially in Central and Southern Illinois, school districts are struggling to fill substitute teacher positions, and students risk missing out on instructional time as a result. Instead of asking potentially excellent candidates to pay money to be considered for a substitute teaching position, we need to make it easier for them to obtain the job, which is exactly what my legislation aimed to do.

“The shortage is a very real problem that has a detrimental impact on students and educators in our communities. Waiving fees for educators who apply for a substitute teaching license would help expand the pool of substitute teachers statewide.”