VILLA PARK — A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers led by State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) is working to protect students from predatory educators.

Cullerton filed Senate Bill 3620 this week in response to a Chicago Tribune investigation that showed 72 Chicago school employees were accused of sexual misconduct over a 10-year period without proper reporting from the schools to authorities.

“This is a catastrophic failure, and we have to do everything we can to prevent something like this from happening again,” Cullerton said.

The investigation showed Chicago Public Schools conducted shoddy background checks which led to the hiring of educators with red flags in their records. Several went on to commit abuses at CPS schools and many were hired again elsewhere even after being investigated.

“Our children should feel safe at school,” Cullerton said. “My wife and I have three sons. We want to be concerned about their test scores, not whether there are predators employed in the buildings where they study.”

The bill aims to remedy several shortfalls exposed in the investigation. The Tribune found that Chicago Public School districts do not have a standard protocol for investigating reports of sexual misconduct.

In response, Senate Bill 3620 puts in place several preventative measures, including immediate reassignment to non-classroom duties for an employee that is under investigation by the Illinois Superintendent of Education.

The bill also requires school boards to report all credible cases of sexual assault or abuse to the State Board of Education and establishes a hearing procedure for student victims. The

ISBE would also be required to monitor the school background check process throughout Illinois.  
To ensure predatory educators or employees don’t bounce from school to school, the bill also makes it easier for school districts to warn the public and others of the fired employees’ behavior.

It does so by amending the Freedom of Information Act to allow school districts to disclose investigative findings to other districts if an employee was disciplined or fired for sexual abuse. In addition, it requires any arresting agency to report an arrest of a licensed educator to the superintendent of the school that employs the educator.

“By closing these loopholes we not only protect our children, we take the first step in restoring the trust in our public schools which are so vital to the success of our state,” Cullerton said.

The bill would also make it a criminal offense for any school authority figure to engage in sexual relations with a student, regardless of age.

The measure is sponsored in the House by State Rep. David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills).

VILLA PARK – All local residents are invited to a property tax appeal seminar hosted by State Senator Tom Cullerton and York Township Assessor Deanna Wilkins from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, June 18 at the Villa Park Public Library (305 Ardmore Ave., Villa Park).

Property tax experts will be present to offer advice to homeowners to help them lower their tax bills.

“If you are looking for ways to find savings on your property tax bills, I urge you to take advantage of this seminar,” Cullerton said.

Residents of York Township should bring:
•    Appraisal (if done in the last 1.5 years)
•    Closing statement (if the home was purchased in the last year)
•    Property tax bill
•    Valid state ID or driver’s license

This seminar is part of a series of property tax seminars hosted by Cullerton this summer.

“These seminars are a valuable resource. It is important to give area residents the necessary tools to save money,” Cullerton said.

Date: Monday, June 18
Time: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.          
Location: Villa Park Public Library (305 Ardmore Ave, Villa Park)

For more information, please call (630) 903-6662.

GLENDALE HEIGHTS—  There are many state and local resources available to help DuPage County seniors enjoy independent lives.

State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) is partnering with the Glendale Heights Center for Seniors to host a one-stop shop for seniors to learn about new resources available.

Cullerton is hoping area residents will take advantage of this free Senior Fair on Wednesday, June 13, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Glendale Heights Sports Hub (250 Civic Center Plaza, Glendale Heights, IL).

The event is free and open to the public.
 
“The goal of this senior fair is to bring as many local and state organizations and agencies together for a few hours to let area residents stop by and learn about new and existing programs,” Cullerton said.  

Date: Wednesday, June 13
Time: noon to 2 p.m.
Location: Glendale Heights Sports Hub (250 Civic Center Plaza, Glendale Heights).

Cullerton urges seniors to contact his Villa Park office at (630) 903-6662 for more information on vendors and services available.

VILLA PARK – On Sept. 7, 2017, Equifax announced that a security breach compromised the personal information of 143 million U.S. residents, including more than 5.4 million Illinois residents.

There will now be protections against the consequences of such breaches thanks to a measure championed by State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park), which will allow consumers to protect themselves in a cost-effective and timely manner.

“This new law will ensure people are not penalized for making responsible financial decisions,” Cullerton said. “Every day Illinois residents use online services that require them to share personal information. This makes all of us susceptible to security breaches similar to the 2017 Equifax breach. When misfortune strikes, it’s vital that the State of Illinois ensure

DuPage County residents have the tools available to protect themselves.”

Cullerton’s House Bill 4095 will prohibit consumer reporting agencies from imposing a charge on a consumer for placing a freeze, removing a freeze, or temporarily lifting a freeze on their credit reports.

The Equifax security breach compromised information such as names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses and driver's license numbers. This breach is very concerning, as such sensitive information can be used for identity theft.

Previously, consumer reporting agencies were allowed to charge up to $10 each time a consumer wished to take these proactive actions.

House Bill 4095 will not only eliminate fees but would also allow Illinois residents to initiate or remove a freeze by telephone and through electronic methods.

“It’s important for the state laws to evolve with the needs of the people,” Cullerton said. “In light of recent security breaches, it is important that the state has protections in place that prioritizes consumers.”

House Bill 4095 goes into effect immediately.

For those that are already victims of identity theft or those who believe their personal or financial information has been compromised, Cullerton suggests calling the Illinois Attorney General’s toll-free Identity Theft Hotline at 1-866-999-5630 or 1-877-844-5461 (TTY).