Sente Encourages Community Input on Education Spending

In an effort to encourage transparency and seek ideas from local residents, state Rep. Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills) is calling attention to a new survey that will allow Illinoisans to take an active role in helping the state prioritize education spending.

“Since my first days in office, I have made it a top priority to reform the way taxpayer money is spent and to restore fiscal responsibility to state government,” Sente said. “This past spring, using my budging for results legislation as a guideline, we addressed many of the state’s difficult budget realities through a bi-partisan review of the budget. To most effectively spend education funding, the General Assembly recently created a commission to gather and assess public input on this topic and turn creative cost saving solutions into policies.”  

The Classrooms First Commission was created through the passage of House Bill 1216, which Sente co-sponsored, to study ways school districts across the state are saving money. This commission will solicit opinions from education and community leaders, as well as students and parents, through an online survey. Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon is serving as the commissions’ chairwoman and has overseen several productive commission meetings in recent weeks.   

“I believe we must constantly be striving to improve education opportunities for all children in our state, and this commission and survey is a positive step in the right direction,” Sente added. “I urge anyone with ideas on how to save tax dollars to visit the Classrooms First website or call my office and submit your thoughts.”

The Classrooms First Commission Survey can be completed online.

For more information, please contact Sente’s constituent service office at (847) 478-9909 or e-mail RepSente@gmail.com.

— Submitted by the office of Carol Sente