STATE LAWMAKERS ARE WORKING ON LEGISLATION TO FURTHER ADDRESS THE TEACHER SHORTAGE IN ILLINOIS. 

THE PROBLEM IS SERIOUS, ESPECIALLY IN HARD TO STAFF AREAS SAY SUPPORTERS. A BILL FROM SENATOR MEG LOUGHRAN-CAPPEL OF SHOREWOOD EXTENDS THE NUMBER OF DAYS THAT SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS FILLING AN EMERGENCY VACANCY CAN WORK IN THE CLASSROOM. 

A MEASURE FROM METRO EAST AREA SENATOR CHRISTOPHER BELT PROVIDES RETENTION BONUSES OF $4,000 PER YEAR, FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE YEARS TO TEACHERS EMPLOYED IN HARD-TO-STAFF SCHOOLS.

ANOTHER PROVIDES MONETARY INCENTIVES FOR TEACHERS WHO MENTOR THEIR NEWER COLLEAGUES.