I Was Honored to Speak with Leadership SpringfieldOct 20 2023It was an honor to speak with Leadership Springfield today with a few of my colleagues from the General Assembly. Providing community leadership programs to professionals and local students will have a lasting impact in our community.During the event, various topics were discussed, including leadership development, agriculture, cultural intelligence, education, healthcare, homeland security, local and state government, team building, tourism, and technology and innovation. These topics are crucial for the...
I had the privilege of speaking with Leadership Springfield, a program that aims to develop leadership skills and provide in-depth exposure to critical issues affecting the Springfield area. This week, I, along with my colleagues from the General Assembly, had the opportunity to engage with the participants of this great program.One of the key takeaways from our discussions was the increasing popularity and effectiveness of high school trades and apprenticeship programs in Illinois. These programs are offering multiple career pathway opportunities for high school...
State Representative Wayne Rosenthal and a visitor recently had the opportunity to tour the Sparc Work Center, a facility dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The tour provided an insight into the incredible work being done at Sparc to empower and uplift the lives of these individuals.Sparc has been a pillar of support for individuals with special needs for several decades. Their commitment to helping these individuals reach their full potential is truly commendable. The center not only provides a sense of purpose and...
State Representative Mike Coffey and I had the privilege of visiting the Sparc Work Center in Springfield yesterday. Sparc has been supporting individuals with developmental disabilities for many years, helping them live fulfilling lives within our communities. At Sparc, their focus is on understanding and meeting the unique needs and feelings of each person they support. Their commitment to compassion and dedication is evident in the services they provide, which aim to empower individuals to become the best version of themselves. During our visit, we had the pleasure...
Sangamon County schools had a truancy rate of 29.8% in the 2021-22 school year, the Illinois State Board of Education reported. That’s lower than the state average.
Springfield, IL - Christ the King Grade School hosted a Save Our Scholarship Rally earlier this week, where students and families highlighted the significance of the Invest in Kids Act. State Representative Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) expressed his support for the scholarship program, emphasizing its importance:"I fully support the Invest in Kids Act and believe this program needs to be secured by legislators. It’s very important to our communities that we provide outstanding programs, such as this one, that creates a foundation for a prosperous...
According to recent statistics, breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the United States during their lifetime. However, there is reason for optimism as early detection plays a crucial role in improving survival rates.When breast cancer is caught in its earliest, localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate skyrockets to an astounding 99%. This remarkable figure is a testament to the advancements made in early detection and treatment methods in recent years.Today, there are over 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States alone, a...
Technology addiction is a growing problem in Illinois and the rest of the world. As more people become dependent on technology, negative impacts on mental and physical health are increasing. The statistics are alarming, with the average person spending nearly nine hours a day in front of an electronic device. Cell phones are unlocked 150 times a day on average, and 72 percent of teens and nearly half of adults feel the need to immediately respond to texts and other notifications. Americans check their phones nearly 100 times a day, a 20 percent increase from a similar...
The wine industry in Illinois has experienced remarkable growth over the past three decades, transforming the state into a prominent wine-producing region. With over 165 wineries and an extensive network of wine trails spanning over 100 miles, Illinois has firmly established itself as a thriving hub for wine enthusiasts.What makes this growth even more impressive is the fact that there were only 12 wineries in the entire state back in 1997. Today, Illinois ranks as the 12th-largest wine producing state in the country, a testament to the dedication and passion of the...
The Midwest Conference has announced its Defensive Performer of the Week for women's soccer. Sophia Kriegesmann from Illinois College received the honor for her performance during the week of October 9-15, 2023.
In September 2023, the median sale price of a home in Logan County rose by $11,000 from the same period in the previous year, while total sales decreased by 32.7%.
Illinois Principals Recognized for Their Dedication and VisionOctober is National Principals Month, a time to honor and appreciate the hard work and dedication of principals across the country. In Illinois, educators, students, and communities are coming together to express their gratitude for the impactful role principals play in shaping the future of their schools.Principals are the backbone of our education system, working tirelessly to create a positive and nurturing environment for students to thrive. They are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of...
Truancy is a persistent issue in many schools across the United States, with some students regularly skipping classes and falling behind in their studies.