MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill. – State Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, recently participated in the Illinois Principals Association “Principal for a Day” program at Holmes Jr. High School in Mount Prospect, teaching students about the Illinois General Assembly and his role as a state representative.

“I had a fantastic time meeting with the students, teachers and staff at Holmes,” Walker said. “It’s always a pleasure to talk with our students about government and the importance of being engaged. They were bright and inquisitive and asked some great questions.”

Organized through the Illinois Principals Association’s “Principal for a Day” program, Walker spent the visit teaching 6th, 7th and 8th graders about the Illinois General Assembly and what being a legislator is like. Walker also met with teachers and school leaders to discuss the ongoing state of education in Illinois. Reflecting his commitment to our teachers, Walker supported legislation increasing the teacher minimum wage and has supported increased funding for our schools to hire better teachers, better care for our students and lower residential property taxes.

“We have some of the best schools in Illinois right here in our community,” Walker said. “That’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teachers, staff and, of course, parents. I’d also like to thank the Illinois Principals Association for developing this educational program. I always enjoy meeting with local students. We must do all we can to help grow them into our future leaders.”

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. – State Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, is celebrating a victory in his mission to consolidate units of government as both chambers of the General Assembly passed a bill to eliminate unnecessary drainage districts in Illinois.

“Illinois has more overlapping layers of government than any other state, and all those layers cost taxpayers more of their hard-earned money,” said Didech. “We’re taking the small steps we need to consolidate government and save taxpayer money, and I’m proud to be leading that fight.”

Didech is the chief House sponsor of Senate Bill 90, which allows local governments to dissolve drainage districts if those districts largely overlap with municipal boundaries. The bill, which passed both houses and will head to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk for a signature, would eliminate small taxing bodies and absorb them into local municipal and township governments. Didech hopes that the bill will lead to more efficient government and taxpayer savings.

“Illinois continues to struggle with unfair annual property tax increases, and it is crucial that we pursue every reform we can that will place downward pressure on our property tax bills,” said Didech. “This bill will make it easier to consolidate unnecessary taxing bodies and will save money without compromising the quality of services provided to our community.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is highlighting the Conference of Women Legislators (COWL) of the Illinois General Assembly’s 2019-2020 Scholarship Award Program and is encouraging local women to apply.

“I am proud to be a member of the Conference of Women Legislators and our bipartisan work through both legislation and advocacy to make Illinois a better place for women,” said Manley. “Our scholarship program helps to make it possible for non-traditional aged women students to continue their education, and is available to both part-time and online students as well.”

COWL is a bipartisan, bicameral non-profit organization of women legislators in the Illinois General Assembly. The scholarship program was created as part of COWL’s mission to promote economic independence, community service and leadership development. Manley is encouraging Illinois women, 25 years-old or up, who are seeking to earn undergraduate college degrees to apply. Applications must be postmarked by April 30, 2019.

“As Assistant Majority Leader, a member of COWL, and a former non-traditional aged student that was a single mother, I understand the importance of promoting education and the difficulties associated with being an older adult, a parent, and a student all at once. Through my experiences, I am proud to encourage bipartisanship to advance the interests of all Illinois women, children and families,” continued Manley. “I think that one of the best ways to support Illinois women is by supporting education, so I encourage local students to apply for the COWL Scholarship Award Program as soon as possible.”

All scholarship materials can be downloaded at www.cowlil.com. For more information, contact Manley’s constituent service office at 815-725-2741 or RepManley@gmail.com.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr., D-Elwood, issued the following statement after being sworn into the 100th General Assembly on Wednesday:

“Today marks a new opportunity to address the challenges facing Illinois. Over the past two years, the most vulnerable members of our state have struggled. Resources they rely on have been threatened due to Gov. Rauner’s refusal to compromise.

“I am disappointed in Gov. Rauner’s recent decision to end bipartisan budget working groups. These working groups have previously helped us negotiate seven spending plans. These plans meant our schools, first responders, and critical care providers received the funding they needed to do their jobs. I am urging the governor and members across the aisle to join me in restarting these budget working groups.

“We can work together to pass a fair and responsible budget that preserves essential services, fully funds education, and puts hardworking families first. We can address this budget crisis immediately and create a stronger Illinois.”