Bill Text: IL HB0423 | 2019-2020 | 101st General Assembly | Veto Message
Bill Title: Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill as amended by House Amendment No.1 with the following changes. Restores provisions requiring the completion of a teacher performance assessment and a test of content area knowledge for the issuance of certain educator licenses. Makes the provisions removing the requirement of passage of a test of basic skills applicable until June 30, 2025. Provides that, on or before July 1, 2025, the State Board of Education must reevaluate the method it uses to score a content area knowledge test and may adopt rules to make any changes to those methods. Removes the provision requiring a candidate in a teacher preparation program to receive a letter grade of at least a "C", or its equivalent, in his or her student teaching program to obtain the license. Makes conforming changes. Adds an immediate effective date (rather than a July 1, 2020 effective date).
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 12-3)
Status: (Failed) 2019-11-01 - Total Veto Stands - No Positive Action Taken [HB0423 Detail]
Download: Illinois-2019-HB0423-Veto_Message.html
August 9, 2019
To the Honorable Members of
The Illinois House of Representatives,
101st General Assembly:
Today I veto House Bill 423 from the 101st General Assembly, which would have amended the School Code to eliminate the test of basic skills for educator licensure until July 1, 2025. While this legislation was well intended, it conflicts with legislation that I recently signed, Senate Bill 1952, which permanently eliminates the basic skills requirement.
My administration is fully committed to providing every child a quality education, regardless of their race or ethnicity, the zip code they come from, or the income of their parents. The Fiscal Year 2020 budget is investing record-high levels of funding for the Preschool for All program, the evidence-based school funding formula, and MAP grants. These investments must be coupled with additional efforts to address the pipeline of teachers educating our youth.
One of my administration’s priorities is to address the teacher shortage affecting school districts across the state. I look forward to partnering with the Illinois State Board of Education, members of the General Assembly, and stakeholders from across the state to ensure that every classroom is led by an educator who is prepared to meet the needs of every child in front of them.
Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return House Bill 423, entitled “An ACT concerning education,” with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.
Sincerely,
JB Pritzker
