Illinois quick hits: Illinois House members vote along party lines; More than 40% of CPS teachers missed 10 or more school days; State Treasurer says Bright Start earns gold

Illinois quick hits: Illinois House members vote along party lines; More than 40% of CPS teachers missed 10 or more school days; State Treasurer says Bright Start earns gold

November 13, 2025/
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By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Illinois House members vote along party lines

Illinois U.S. House members voted along party lines as the chamber approved legislation to end the partial shutdown of the federal government on Wednesday night. All of the state’s Democratic U.S. representatives voted against the measure, and the three Illinois Republicans voted in favor. President Donald Trump promptly signed the bill to end the 45-day shutdown.

State Treasurer says Bright Start earns gold

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced that Illinois’ Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan earned its seventh gold rating from Morningstar. A statement from Frerichs’ office said the Chicago-based financial company listed Bright Start as one of only five gold-rated 529 plans in the country, citing “compelling investment options that are also highly cost-effective.”

More than 40% of CPS teachers missed 10 or more school days

Teacher absenteeism rates are rising in Chicago Public Schools and remain high in public schools statewide. Citing data from the Illinois State Board of Education’s Illinois Report Card, the Illinois Policy Institute said 43.2% of CPS teachers missed ten days or more during the 2024-25 school year. Statewide, 34% of public school teachers missed ten days or more for the second consecutive year.

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Events

19 Nov
Friends of the Frankfort Public Library District
19 Nov 25
21 Nov
Library Board of Trustees
21 Nov 25
26 Nov
Early Closing
26 Nov 25
27 Nov
Building Closed for Thanksgiving Day
27 Nov 25
12 Dec
Library Board of Trustees
12 Dec 25
24 Dec
Building Closed for Christmas Eve
24 Dec 25
25 Dec
Building Closed for Christmas Day
25 Dec 25
31 Dec
Building Closed for New Year's Eve
31 Dec 25
01 Jan
Building Closed for New Year's Day
1 Jan 26
21 Jan
Friends of the Frankfort Public Library District
21 Jan 26

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