The following resources might be helpful to school districts and the community partners who work with them.

HB5202 Creates Youth Budget Commission  This year, the Start to Finish Coalition developed and championed HB5202, which is awaiting Governor Rauner’s signature. The bill establishes the Youth Budget Commission, to be comprised of a state-wide group of experts in the needs of youth and young adults ages 8-25, including members of the state legislature. The first of its kind in Illinois, the Youth Budget Commission will oversee an annual fiscal scan of the state budget across six goals–stable, safe, healthy, educated, employable and connected–that all youth need in order to thrive.

ACT Now to take up advocacy for the Federation There are exciting changes underway for community schools in Illinois. Afterschool for Children and Teens Now (ACT Now) is taking on the work for the Federation. ACT Now will assume the bulk of the Federation’s advocacy, contacts and work. Specifically, ACT Now will be leading the way on advocating for better administration of community schools grants and reestablishing a statewide network for community schools in Illinois. ACT Now will be rolling out these new exciting developments so make sure you stay in the loop by signing up for their newsletter. This transfer is a great opportunity for the community schools model to continue to grow and be successful in Illinois.