This week, I was given a unique chance to participate in a very eventful and fun opportunity. I met students and faculty from at the Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA) for “Take Your Legislator to School” Day.

The event was put on by the Student Committee for IMSA Advancement on Tuesday, October 20, where I was able to observe classes and get together with students and faculty members from my legislative district. This occasion allowed me to personally hear their concerns and interests, which is crucial to my success as a legislator.

More than 100 students from my district have participated in IMSA programs and have achieved their academic goals thanks to the Academy. During the school day, I was able to greet some of those students and lead a spirited discussion for their Literature Explorations Class. Later in the day, I worked with groups of students in an Advanced Chemistry class discussing energy and environmental topics. These chats allowed me to connect with the students one-on-one and gain insight into their perspectives on certain issues.

I was honored when Dr. Max McGee, President of IMSA, told me that the Student Committee launched its “Take Your Legislator to School” series with me as their inaugural guest. After my successful visit, it is my hope that other legislators will see the lasting impression they can leave on students in their community by interacting with them on this exceptional day.

Participating in this IMSA school day event further strengthened my commitment to ensuring that education is fully funded. Even with this year’s budget woes, we legislators must continue to keep education a top priority. It is important that we invest in our children’s futures by securing the resources they need to achieve academic success.

Being involved in this day reinforced the need for reforming education funding. Earlier this year in the Senate, I helped pass House Bill 174, which would have made a long-term investment in education funding. Under this proposal, more than $2.5 billion is dedicated towards education funding annually. This tax reform solution would not only help alleviate our current fiscal crisis, but it would ensure that school funding for critical programs is met year after year. The General Assembly has made critical investments in education and overall funding levels have risen over the past 5 years – but more must be done.

I appreciate the time and effort that the Illinois Math and Science Academy put into this event to make it such a special day. I also want to extend my gratitude and appreciation to those students and faculty from my district for allowing me to meet with them. It was a great pleasure to participate in “Take Your Legislator to School” Day and it only further strengthens my belief we must continue to fight for Illinois schools.