Contact Your Local Legislators

Education funding in Illinois will be slashed 1.3 billion dollars next year according to Governor Quinn. Many teachers are losing their jobs and those in power need to hear how this is affecting our students and teachers. I think it is crucial that we get our students and parents involved in fighting for their districts. I spent my day Friday discussing cuts at my district and how we need to respond in a positive way. Teachers know a lot about the current educational funding situation and could probably talk for an hour or so on the issues that affect us. Encourage your students and their parents to make their voice heard.

Below is a phone script for students and parents I wrote this afternoon:

Student Script

Hello. My name is ________________. I am a student at South Central High School in Farina, IL.

As you are already aware, Governor Quinn is proposing a 1.3 billion dollar cut to schools in Illinois.

These cuts by the Governor have now affected my school district. My district has to cut nearly $500,000 out of their budget. These cuts will affect good quality teachers and programs that will prepare me for the future. The lack of funding is leaving over 15,000 teachers without jobs and affecting millions of children’s educations. I don’t feel additional taxes is the answer.

I ask that you work with your fellow congressmen and senators, putting party affiliation aside, to come to a solution to properly fund schools. Funding schools adequately and equally will give students like me the opportunity to succeed in the world today.

Thank you for your time.


Parent Script

Hello. My name is ________________. My son/daughter is a student at South Central High School in Farina, IL.

As you are already aware, Governor Quinn is proposing a 1.3 billion dollar cut to schools in Illinois.

These cuts by the Governor have now affected my child’s school district. My district has to cut nearly $500,000 out of their budget. These cuts will affect good quality teachers and programs that will prepare my child for the future. The lack of funding is leaving over 15,000 teachers without jobs and affecting millions of children’s educations. I don’t feel additional taxes is the answer.

I ask that you work with your fellow congressmen and senators, putting party affiliation aside, to come to a solution to properly fund schools. Funding schools adequately and equally will give students the opportunity to succeed in the world today.

Thank you for your time.