Illinois education system in need of reform

For too many years, Illinois has shortchanged school
children with a funding system that punishes students
in poorer areas and all too often results in poor
performance in public schools. The burden our
education funding system puts on property tax payers
also is a serious problem in this state.

I have come to learn that despite all of this, some
state senators, including Randall Hultgren (R-Wheaton), Chris Lauzen (R-Aurora), Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale), are proposing cuts in education spending. This makes absolutely no sense whatsoever and puts Illinois school children at risk of receiving a less-than-adequate education. And, by the way, our students deserve far better than an "adequate" education; our school children need a superior education to compete in today's world.

Rather than cutting education spending, it is time the
state adopt a comprehensive reform package that will
increase school funding, quality and fiscal
accountability to ensure that every Illinois child has
access to a superior education.

With the quality of education in other countries fast
eclipsing the education offered our own students, it
is of paramount importance that Illinois legislators
find some way to improve the education system here,
particularly education funding. It is becoming
increasingly important that children throughout the
state, not just those in more affluent areas, receive
nothing short of the best not just in basic education
(reading, writing, arithmetic). Our students also must
be offered the best in physical, vocational, art and
musical education, as well. Studies have shown that
students who have a well-rounded education fare better
after they graduate high school, whether they move on to college or move into the job market. Illinois school children deserve, and state legislators should demand for them, the very best education possible.

Cutting education spending will do nothing but
undermine the future of Illinois' children.
deserve, and state legislators should demand for them,
the very best education possible.

Cutting education spending will do nothing but
undermine the future of Illinois' children.