Chicago Public Schools headquarters. (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)
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A year from now, Chicago voters will for the first time decide who will run the city’s schools. But first, Illinois legislators have a lot of decisions to make about how that process will work. Chief among their responsibilities is dividing Chicago into 20 districts.

State Sen. Robert Martwick speaks at a news conference Oct. 24, 2023. (WTTW News)
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State Sen. Robert Martwick, a Democrat who represents parts of the city’s Northwest Side, said if Chicago wants a diverse school board, it needs to remove barriers that would prevent some residents from running for board seats.

(WTTW News)

No matter how much money a person makes, Illinois residents all pay the same income tax rate. A pair of new proposals could change that by taking aim at the bank accounts of high earners.

Under a new law recently signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker, students can take up to five mental or behavioral health days off from school, without having to provide a doctor’s note. (WTTW News)
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Starting in January, students ages 7-17 can take up to five mental or behavioral health days off from school without having to provide a doctor’s note. Under the new law, students are referred to school staff for professional help after their second mental health day.