Welcome to Senator Mary Edly-Allen's Legislative Website

Edly-Allen law to strengthen survivor rights in sexual assault investigations

SPRINGFIELD – According to the RAINN, only 310 out of every 1,000 sexual assaults are reported to police, underscoring the need to build trust and improve survivor experiences within the justice system. To address this critical issue, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen advanced a new law aimed at improving how survivors of sexual assault are supported during the criminal justice process.

“Survivors of sexual assault deserve to feel safe, respected and fully supported when they are coming forward,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “House Bill 4394 is about making sure survivors know their rights and have some control in a moment where so much has already been taken from them.”

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Edly-Allen statement on Libertyville man arrested in AI child pornography case

LIBERTYVILLE – In response  to a recent report that a Libertyville teacher was placed on administrative leave, arrested and charged with eight counts of child pornography for allegedly using artificial intelligence (AI) to create explicit images of Libertyville middle school students, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake) released the following statement:

“The decision to terminate this teacher sends a clear message that there is no place for those who exploit positions of trust to harm children.

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Edly-Allen announces workforce training grant program now open

GRAYSLAKE – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen announced the Illinois Workforce Pell, a new program expanding on the federal Pell Grant by allowing eligible students to use grant funding for short-term workforce training programs aligned with in-demand occupations, is now accepting applications.

“Removing financial barriers to workforce training helps more people build stable careers and meet the needs of employers across Illinois,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “This program creates more pathways to family-supporting jobs in growing industries, ensuring students can quickly gain the skills they need while helping businesses find the qualified workers they’re looking for.”

By extending Pell eligibility to shorter-term programs, Workforce Pell broadens access to a more affordable path to a recognized credential, tied to employer-validated, high-skill, high-wage or in-demand jobs across the state. Illinois developed a rigorous approval process to ensure participating programs meet high standards for quality, workforce alignment and student outcomes – protecting students while ensuring public investments support credentials with strong labor market value.

Eligible programs are required to demonstrate strong completion and job placement outcomes, employer-validated demand and reasonable tuition relative to graduates' expected earnings – all to ensure that Illinois students can pursue short-term workforce training with confidence. The program also supports the state's broader economic development goals by aligning training investments with the skills employers need across Illinois.

The application for the first round of approvals is now open and closes Aug. 31. Institutions can apply here.

New Edly-Allen law to strengthen play-based learning

 SPRINGFIELD – Children in play-based learning environments show stronger language skills, cognitive and social development than their peers in more challenging academic settings, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a finding that is driving new efforts in Illinois to strengthen early education. State Senator Mary Edly-Allen advanced House Bill 4577 to reinforce those practices in classrooms across the state.

“By clearly defining play-based learning, we are giving educators the tools they need to create classrooms where children can explore, grow and build the foundational skills that set them up for long-term success,” said Edly-Allen (D- Grayslake). “As an educator and parent, I have seen firsthand how powerful play can be in helping children develop confidence, curiosity and a love of learning.”

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