Group formed to fix Illinois' public schools

SPRINGFIELD -- A group of prominent Illinois politicians have announced they want to fix the state's public school system.

Called Advance Illinois, the organization is chaired by former Republican Gov. Jim Edgar and former U.S. Commerce Secretary Bill Daley, a Democrat. It includes former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert, a Republican from Yorkville.

In announcing its formation Tuesday, the organization also released a report showing Illinois students often trail national averages when it comes to getting a good education.

Daley, a JPMorgan Chase executive and brother to Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, said fixing schools is essential to the economy.

Several foundations, including the Chicago-based Joyce Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, have agreed to pay for the pursuit for three or four years.