CHICAGO – To promote diversity and inclusion at Illinois colleges, state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, recently supported legislation that will prohibit Illinois’ public colleges and universities from requiring applicants to submit ACT and SAT test scores in the application process.

“Standardized test scores do not reflect a clear picture of a student’s academic career,” said Slaughter. “Instead, they have too often served as a barrier to entry to higher education. While some students have the means to receive test prep and an ability to take multiple tests, most do not have this advantage, particularly first-generation and low-income students.”

House Bill 226, which was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker after passing out of the General Assembly with strong bipartisan support, will prohibit public institutions of higher learning from requiring applicants to submit standardized test scores as part of their admission processes. In the place of test scores, college admissions committees will give more consideration to a student’s GPA, extracurriculars and letters of recommendation. This legislation aims to increase the number of students at colleges from diverse backgrounds like those from rural areas and first-generation and low-income families. If an applicant wishes to still submit a standardized test score, they will be able to do so.

“We must do all that we can to make sure that our young people are prepared for the future,” said Slaughter. “Illinois is a diverse state, it’s one of our greatest strengths, and I look forward to seeing how this change can help more residents of all backgrounds achieve a degree.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, has introduced legislation to create the Clean Water Workforce Pipeline Program that would prepare and support individuals seeking a career in Illinois’ water infrastructure.

“Our state water system needs improvements, but we also need individuals who are properly trained to build and maintain that system,” said Slaughter. “By creating this program, we can begin modernizing our water systems to provide every Illinoisan with clean and safe water, and also create good paying jobs to benefit our community.”

Slaughter’s House Bill 3349 would create the Clean Water Workforce Pipeline grant program for job training and transitional aid for individuals learning how to maintain and interact with the water infrastructure system. The program would seek to create more than 2,500 jobs annually and provide job training, continuing education, job placement, and financial support to individuals seeking jobs in the water sector.

“Other cities have seen the devastating results of lead pipes and unclean water,” said Slaughter. “This legislation will prevent tragedies like we’ve seen in Flint, Michigan and provide the economic opportunities our community need.”

For more information, please contact Slaughter’s constituent service office at 773-445-9700 or Justin@RepSlaughter.com.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, supported legislation to give local parents a voice in their children’s education by requiring members of the Chicago School Board to be elected by local residents.

“I believe parents and community members are the best advocates for local schools, and it’s time that we grant them the authority to elect school board members who are responsible for making important decisions regarding education in Chicago,” said Slaughter. “Our children and their parents deserve a school board that represents our community and is truly aware of our students’ needs. This legislation will place us on the right path to secure a bright future for local families.”

Slaughter’s House Bill 2267 would change the current mayor-appointed board to an elected one, starting with the 2023 municipal election. The legislation would split Chicago into 20 districts that would each elect a representative for the board.  This measure will help bring accountability and transparency to the Chicago Public School’s (CPS) board of education. Additionally, the measure calls on the General Assembly to review and make any necessary improvements or changes to the structure of the elected school board in 2029.

“This legislation will help us reach the oversight, transparency, and accountability that the Chicago School Board desperately needs,” said Slaughter. “I am proud to support legislation that gives a voice to the parents and children whose lives and future education depends on the decisions made by this board.”