Kevin Bessler

Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in Illinois for the Center Square. He has over 30 years of experience in radio news reporting throughout the Midwest.

Government
Illinois legislators approve plan to assess mental health screenings in public schools

(The Center Square) – Illinois public schools are one step closer to universal mental health screenings for students. The Illinois House passed Senate Bill 726 which directs the Illinois State… Read More

May 24, 2024
Government
Illinois bill would criminalize sexual relationships between teachers and their 18-year-old students

(The Center Square) – In Illinois, it is not illegal for an educator or staff member to have a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old student, but some Republican lawmakers want to… Read More

May 20, 2024
Government
Education expert analyzes Invest in Kids’ record-breaking numbers for final year

(The Center Square) – Despite record-breaking enrollment for its final year, Illinois lawmakers have yet to address the expired Invest in Kids school choice scholarship program. There were rumblings that the… Read More

April 24, 2024
Public Education
Study: Illinois’ spending per student is one of highest in the country

(The Center Square) – A new study shows that Illinois continues to pump money into education without seeing tangible results.   The Reason Foundation found that Illinois’ inflation-adjusted education revenue grew… Read More

February 28, 2024
Public Education
Illinois education officials seeking more tax dollars

(The Center Square) – The Illinois State Board of Education is aiming high in its request for more taxpayer funding in the next fiscal year. The board is proposing a… Read More

January 26, 2024