HILLSIDE, Ill. – State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, will explore ways to enhance education statewide and expand vocational education as a member of a new task force aimed at addressing the construction needs of Illinois schools.

“As a father of two, I want my children to receive top-notch educational opportunities, just like every parent in Illinois,” Welch said. “We need to continually examine ways that we can improve our neighborhood schools and ensure that our kids are receiving the education that they deserve.”

Welch is one of the appointees of the newly created, bipartisan School Construction Task Force, which will examine the construction needs and make funding recommendations for Illinois’ public schools, early childhood educational programs and vocational educational programs. The task force will report its findings and make recommendations to support the capital needs of Illinois public schools to the Governor, General Assembly and the State Board of Education.

“The School Construction Task Force will help identify ways we can improve schools across Illinois,” Welch said. “I am honored to have been selected for this task force and I look forward to jumping right into our work as I continue my efforts to build a stronger Illinois.”