The Illinois Senate is attempting to pass legislation for new special education license plates that have been proposed to help address the teacher shortage problem.

Senator Duane Noland, R-Il., added his support to the idea of creating special education license plates in Illinois. The plan is to help raise money toward the Illinois Future Teachers Corps Scholarship fund.

Noland likes the idea because he believes Illinois needs to attract and retain quality educators.

“It helps fund scholarships for teachers,” Noland said in a press release. “It also allows Illinois drivers to display their pride in Illinois schools and their dedication to education.”

The special plates would cost an additional $40 more than the regular Illinois plates. For every plate that is sold, $25 will go toward the scholarship fund, Noland said. For every renewed license plate, $38 would go toward the scholarship fund. The scholarships would be awarded to students who are trying to become teachers.

Carol Helwig, chair of the early education department, believes the proposed license plates are a good idea, but could be better.

“I think they should talk to more people about what they think should be done,” Helwig said. “I guess it is a very creative way to help raise money for the fund. I don’t know how effective it will be long term though.”

The bill was approved unanimously in the Illinois Senate and will now be considered by the Illinois House of Representatives.

If it passes, Illinois elementary students will have the chance to help design the plates. It will be through a contest and judged by the secretary of state, director of state police and members of the General Assembly.

The final design will be chosen by Sept. 31, 2002.