Creates the Vocational Academies Act. Allows a school district, in partnership with community colleges, local employers, and community-based organizations, to establish a vocational academy that is eligible for a grant from the State Board of Education if the vocational academy meets specified requirements. Effective immediately.
Amends the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education shall implement and administer a Giant Steps Autism Center for Excellence pilot program for the study and evaluation of autism and to provide related training for teachers, paraprofessionals, and respite workers, therapist training, and consultative services. Provides that the State Board of Education is authorized to make grants to school districts and other programs that apply to participate in the Giant Steps Autism Center for Excellence program. Effective immediately.
Amends the Film Production Services Tax Credit Act. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning applications for certification.
Amends the Public Community College Act. Provides that beginning on July 1, 2005, one of the 11 members appointed to the Illinois Community College Board by the Governor must be a faculty member at an Illinois public community college. Effective July 1, 2005.
Amends the School Code. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the School Code's construction.
Urges Congress and the President of the United States to increase funding for Pell Grants.
Urges the Congress of the United States and the United States Department of Education not to move forward with creating the Student Record Data System.
Congratulates Karen Breunig on the occasion of her retirement after 30 years of dedicated service in the field of education.
Amends the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability Act. Directs the Commission to annually report to the General Assembly on certain diversions from the Road Fund. Amends the State Finance Act. Requires repayment from the General Revenue Fund to the Road Fund of 105% of certain identified diversions in the next fiscal year. Effective July 1, 2005.
Creates the Medical Supplies Tax Relief Task Force.
