Scherer Sponsors Legislation To Protect College Students From Unwanted Student Loan Debt
Feb 26, 2021 | Scherer
DECATUR, Ill. – As the student loan crisis continues to impact college students nationwide, state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, is supporting legislation to protect college students from carrying the burden of unnecessary student loan debt.For many students, higher education is a pathway towards a successful career and a tool for them to better their lives,” Scherer said. “As the cost of college has continued to rise, so has student loan debt. Too many students who can’t afford a college education on their own aren’t made fully aware of the terms for loans they take out in order to afford their education.” Scherer is sponsoring House Bill 2746 to create the Know Before You Owe Private Education Loan Act. The bill strives to provide students with information to make appropriate assessments of their student loan needs by requiring colleges to provide students with individualized information regarding their loan eligibility and federal financial assistance options. The bill will also require private lenders to receive confirmation from educational institutions on a student borrower’s attendance costs such as tuition, housing, and books. Additionally, the measure requires private lenders to provide quarterly loan statements to a borrower during the time a student is in college. “The opportunity to go college shouldn’t lock people into crippling debt just to boost the profits of lenders seeking to take advantage of those who need financial assistance to complete their degree programs,” Scherer said. “Students, whether they attend a community college or university, shouldn’t have to make the choice between getting an education and facing a lifetime of debt or not getting an education at all.”
Scherer Fights For COVID-19 Relief, Focuses On Opening Schools Safely
Feb 17, 2021 | Scherer
DECATUR, Ill. – State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, issued the following statement Wednesday after Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s annual budget address: “The state’s budget must address the issues families are facing every day. We have all been witnesses to the crippling effects of this pandemic that has gone on for far too long. There will be many decisions made as lawmakers continue to work with the governor to create a balanced budget. We must make sure we are creating a safe and effective vaccine rollout plan so our communities can take the necessary steps to work toward normalcy. Our parents should feel safe and confident that their children can return to school and get their education without worry of the pandemic. We have many essential workers who have continually made sacrifice after sacrifice to ensure our communities could still operate during these trying times. We cannot let their efforts go in vain, as legislators, the time is now to make tough decisions in the best interest of the people of Illinois, our workers and those desperate to find a job.”
Scherer Fights For Students and Educators as Chair Elementary & Secondary Education Administration, Licensing & Charter School Committee
Feb 7, 2021 | Scherer
DECATUR, Ill. – As the returning Chairwoman of the Elementary & Secondary Education Administration, Licensing & Charter School Committee, state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, will be focused on allocating the correct resources to educators to support students experiencing the trauma of COVID-19 and creating sustainable ways for Illinois schools to cope with the changes caused by the pandemic during the 102nd General Assembly.“We cannot allow the pandemic to halt the efforts of our education system. Although COVID-19 continues to create new challenges, we must continue to create adaptable solutions that will allow our institutions to constantly be prepared as these challenges arise,” said Scherer. “The pandemic has created mental health challenges for both families and school employees. We must not treat these real situations as statistics on paper. Students have had to juggle tragedy and major changes in life while still actively participating in classes and homework. We have educators who are both parents and teachers while working during the pandemic.” Scherer, who devoted her life to advocating for students in her district as an educator for 34 years, plans to work closely with fellow legislators to fight for the necessary resources needed for students and educators across the state. Scherer has already worked on key education initiatives such as reducing classroom sizes so teachers can have a more personalized approach toward teaching, increased behavioral and situational awareness training for school employees and expanded anti-bullying resources for children, parents, and administrators. “My time as a teacher was an irreplaceable experience that has guided my service to the residents of the 96th District. So many other Illinois educators take real pride in their roles as the people that will help future generations succeed,” said Scherer. “It is our job as legislators to create the best possible learning environment for our students, parents and teachers. We have the opportunity to make the correct adjustments to allow our education system to thrive as we recover from the pandemic. ”
Scherer to Continue to Fight for Working Families and COVID-19 Relief in New Term
Jan 13, 2021 | Scherer
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, issued the following statement after being sworn into the 102nd General Assembly on Wednesday: “After a year unlike any we have seen before, our state faces unprecedented challenges that will take hard work, grit and determination to meet. But I can say confidently that I believe we are in a unique position to address these problems head on and lift up working families in Illinois. “I remain committed to ensuring that the state’s response to the COVID-19 crisis prioritizes protecting vulnerable residents, while delivering real relief to the families and small-businesses that have been hit hardest by the pandemic. It’s vital that we work closely with the federal government to expand the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in Illinois as quickly as possible, to not only save countless lives, but also allow our economy to return to some semblance of normalcy. “I will continue my fight to ensure that all families in our district have equitable opportunities for quality education, good-paying jobs and quality healthcare. No matter where you come from, or what you look like, families in our community deserve the opportunity to thrive and I will continue to put working families in Central Illinois first. “Lastly, the pandemic has thrown one more wrench into the fiscal problems that Illinois faces and moving our state forward will take tough choices. I know the challenges we face while steep, are not insurmountable—especially if we work not as Democrats or Republicans, but together as Illinoisans. It has been my greatest honor to serve our community and I look forward to continuing my work fighting for central-Illinois families.”
Scherer Reminds Residents of Healthcare Open Enrollment Deadline
Dec 9, 2020 | Scherer
DECATUR, Ill. – State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, is encouraging local residents to sign up for health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) ahead of the Dec. 15 deadline for health insurance coverage starting on Jan. 1, 2021. “The open enrollment period is an opportunity for residents to get health care coverage from the Affordable Care Act using the Get Covered Illinois marketplace,” Scherer said. “With so many people losing their jobs and health insurance due to the pandemic, I want to encourage residents to act as soon as possible to get coverage for themselves and their families.” The Get Covered Illinois marketplace provides a wide range of health care coverage options for individuals and families, along with financial assistance options. At GetCoveredIllinois.gov, residents can find resources such as frequently asked questions and one-on-one financial assistance. The Get Covered Illinois help line is also available for residents by calling 866-311-1119. The sign-up period for health care plans that cover the 2021 calendar year is open through Dec. 15. If an individual currently has a health care plan through the ACA marketplace, their coverage automatically rolls over for the new year. “The pandemic has continued to show the need for quality, affordable health insurance for all Illinoisans,” Scherer said. “By completing a simple online checklist, you can get the assistance needed to help you make the right decision for you and your family, making the process quick and as easy as possible.”
Scherer Encourages Local Businesses to Apply for Additional Relief Funding
Nov 24, 2020 | Scherer
DECATUR, Ill. – State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, is encouraging local businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to apply for relief funding through the second installment of the BIG (Business Interruption Grant) program. “The mitigation efforts put in place to help ward off the pandemic and keep Illinoisans safe, while scientifically proven to be effective, have had a less than pleasant effect on our economy and our local businesses,” said Scherer. “This next round of BIG funding will provide much needed financial support to these businesses, their owners and employees.”
Scherer is encouraging local businesses to apply for relief through the BIG 2 Grant. Funding can be used to help businesses cover expenses like payroll, rent, utilities and other operational costs. BIG funding is available to any business with $20 million or less in revenue with priority to downstate businesses with less than $5 million dollars in revenue. Grants do not have to be repaid and are first come first serve providing assistance to local businesses such as restaurants, tourism, indoor recreation and hospitality. Eligible zip codes include 62522 and 62526 in Decatur and 62702 and 62703 in Springfield.
To apply for funds through the state’s BIG program, visit Illinois.gov/dceo and click on the BIG Help Desk or contact Rep. Scherer’s full time constituent service office at (217)877-9636. “BIG grants are available now and I encourage business owners to apply as soon as possible.” said Scherer. “Behind our local businesses are members of the community who deserve to be able to continue to work toward their goals and still provide for their families even as we continue to fight this unprecedented health crisis.”
Scherer Promotes Virtual Care Program for Residents Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms
Jul 28, 2020 | Scherer
DECATUR, Ill. – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact Illinoisans statewide, state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, is encouraging residents who have tested positive with moderate symptoms to take advantage of telehealth resources.”The Virtual Care Program will allow patients with moderate symptoms to self-isolate and recover at home while still receiving top-quality medical care,” said Scherer. “These telehealth services will keep hospitals from becoming overwhelmed, allowing those in need of urgent medical attention to get help immediately.” Scherer is urging patients to take advantage of the Illinois COVID-19 Virtual Care Program, which is available to all Illinois residents regardless of their health insurance coverage. The program will provide patients with wellness kits that include important medical supplies such as thermometers, pulse oximeters, blood pressure cuffs, alcohol wipes and masks along with daily virtual check-ins with doctors and nurses.
Central Illinois residents seeking to enroll in the Illinois COVID-19 Virtual Care Program can text CARE with their ZIP code to 36363 or enroll by calling the virtual care hotline at 866-443-2584. “The ability to provide effective, efficient medical care services is fundamental to our defense against COVID-19,” said Scherer. “Having an option like the Virtual Care Program gives patients in our communities increased access to the vital healthcare resources they deserve as we continue to work toward overcoming the virus.”