Bill > HJR0012

This joint resolution establishes the Educator Health Insurance Task Force to address the rising cost and accessibility of health insurance for public educators in Illinois, particularly in school districts with populations under 500,000. The Task Force will consist of 12 unpaid members, including legislators from both parties, representatives from school board and management associations, teacher and support staff associations, and the Director of Central Management Services. The group is charged with studying the feasibility of creating at least four regional health insurance purchasing pools, exploring local governance options, analyzing costs and funding, considering transition plans for school districts, and examining healthcare accessibility. The Task Force will conduct at least two public hearings in different counties, potentially investigate a statewide Educator Health Insurance Program, and is required to submit a comprehensive final report to the General Assembly by December 31, 2026. This initiative is motivated by the state's significant education staffing shortages, with 62% of education agencies experiencing vacancies and over 7,000 professional positions unfilled, and aims to help school districts manage financial stress while offering competitive compensation packages to attract and retain educators.

Education

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=12&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HJR&SessionID=114&GA=104