CHICAGO – Recently, state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, toured Smyser Elementary School to meet students and speak with the faculty and administration to discuss the needs of local schools.

“Visiting schools in our community is critical to understanding they needs of our local schools, and the needs of our students and teachers,” said LaPointe. “Illinois’ new balanced budget provides local public schools across the state with an additional $375 million to invest more in their students and ensure they have the best possible education provided to them. Illinois should also pass reforms like House Bill 2808 that would double a tax credit for teachers who use their own money to buy supplies, and expand on new laws like the one that raised teacher’s starting pay to $40,000. I am committed to protecting the interests of schools, teachers and students as a Representative in Springfield.”

LaPointe represents the 19th District, which covers portions of Chicago’s Big Oaks, Dunning, Gladstone Park, Jefferson Park, Portage Park, Union Ridge and West Portage Park neighborhoods, and River Grove, Elmwood Park, Norridge and Harwood Heights.