SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) welcomed state class 2A runner-up St. Teresa High School boys’ basketball team to the Illinois Capitol on Wednesday.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) welcomed students from Macon County’s 4-H program to the Capitol on Thursday. The students met with Manar and other lawmakers as part of the government education visit arranged by the University of Illinois Macon County Extension.

EDWARDSVILLE– Recent cuts by Gov. Bruce Rauner to Illinois’ community service funding has forced one Macoupin County organization to cancel its summer food program for children in poverty, and proposed cuts could have even bigger ripple effects throughout the region.

Representatives from Wilsonville’s Illinois Coalition for Community Services explained how these cuts will impact their ability to serve the community and result in the elimination of vital programs in Macoupin County to a Senate budget committee Friday. They were invited by state Senator Andy Manar.

“Governor Rauner’s suspension of grant funding for social service agencies has produced immediate, devastating consequences for Illinois’ most vulnerable youth and families. The governor’s decision has forced ICCS to suspend programs in over 90 counties that were helping communities preserve self-sustainability, empowerment and dignity.” Mike Crews ICCS Communication Director said.

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SPRINGFIELD– Illinois schools face the worst spending gap in the nation, according to a recent nationwide study presented to a joint hearing of the House and Senate on Wednesday.

“This problem is clear. Illinois underfunds low-income, needy schools and we have the ability to end this outdated, unfair system. Everyone, everywhere benefits if children have access to the same opportunities to succeed,” State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) said.

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