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What are legislators teaching our kids?

This legislative session, a bipartisan bill was passed restoring civics education to help young people acquire and learn to use the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will prepare them to be competent and responsible citizens throughout their lives.

But as the budget impasse stretches into its fifth month, we must ask whether the current leaders of this state are exemplifying competent and responsible citizenship. Students are learning powerful lessons from our state elected officials, but not positive ones.

The lack of a budget can have life altering, if not life threatening effects on Illinois citizens. Day after day, the budget impasse negatively impacts senior services, mental health provision, after school programs, autism services, domestic violence shelters, conservation work, and services to homeless families, to name a few.

While state officials claim to want to promote a business friendly atmosphere, businesses that hold state contracts are finding themselves without payment. The agencies that contract with the state not only provide services but are also small businesses. Additionally, numerous families have been denied childcare assistance. When hard-working families do not have access to affordable childcare, many are forced to quit their jobs.

The League implores state leaders to pass a budget that includes sufficient revenue and no additional cuts to vital services. This needs to be done now, not when it works into a political time table.

It's time to get down to the work of governing. We're counting on the governor, legislative leaders, and the General Assembly to show what civics in action means. If they cannot exemplify the very basics of governing, what are they teaching our children?

Jean Pierce

League of Women Voters Central Kane County

Geneva

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