Event part of Manar’s Capitol on Your Corner program

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Andy Manar (D–Bunker Hill) is partnering with local education and community leaders to host a discussion on education funding and other state issues on May 4 in Hillsboro as part of his “Capitol on Your Corner” program.

The event is from 9 to 11 am May 4 in the Hillsboro Junior High School Cafeteria at 909 Rountree Street in Hillsboro.

“Like too many other districts in our area, the Hillsboro School District was recently forced to navigate its way through a series of tough budget cuts, and parents are understandably concerned,” said Manar. “I invite everyone to join us on May 4th for a discussion on how our state funds public education and what needs to be done to improve the situation.”

Read more: Manar to host discussion on education funding, other state issues in Hillsboro

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Andy Manar (D–Bunker Hill) today launched an online petition where members of the community can add their name to a growing list of parents, teachers and concerned citizens calling for education funding reform in Illinois. The petition can be signed by visiting www.SenatorAndyManar.com/FundingReform

“By far, one of the biggest concerns I hear about from parents in central Illinois is concern over how we’re funding—or not funding—their children’s schools,” said Manar. “As a parent of three children in a small public school, I share that concern. It’s time we take a serious look at our current system and look for ways to improve.”

Manar has introduced Senate Joint Resolution 32 that begins the reform process by creating the General Assembly’s Advisory Committee on Education Funding. The committee's job will be to conduct a comprehensive review of the current K-12 education funding system in Illinois and make recommendations for a more fair and adequate funding distribution method by Feb 1, 2014. No such review of education funding has been conducted in over 10 years.

Read more: Manar invites community to voice support for education funding reform

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Andy Manar (D–Bunker Hill) secured nearly $21 million in construction projects in Macoupin County that will bring much-needed jobs to the area as well as address critical infrastructure needs.

“These improvements will benefit both businesses and residents in Macoupin County,” Manar said. “These funds will help to address some major infrastructure needs as well as create new construction jobs.”

The construction projects are part of six-year, $12.62 billion construction program by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) that will improve roads and bridges throughout Illinois while making major investments in public transportation. The plan includes $7.2 billion in anticipated federal funds, $1.9 billion in state funds and the remainder from local and other sources.

Read more: Manar secures $21 million in road projects for Macoupin County

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Andy Manar (D–Bunker Hill) secured nearly $44 million in construction projects in Macon County that will bring much-needed jobs to the Decatur area as well as address critical infrastructure needs.

“A few months ago, Representative Scherer and I met with local officials and residents to discuss infrastructure needs in the Decatur area,” Manar said. “We were given a list of projects and told that several of the projects were a matter of public safety. When we heard that, we knew we had to make them a priority.”

"With unemployment rates at staggering levels, I believe it’s key that we come together to move vital projects forward that create quality jobs while ensuring that local infrastructure can handle current and future demand," said Scherer. "I appreciate working with Sen. Manar to identify local needs and address them in an efficient way, and we will continue to find ways to be responsive to the needs of our Central Illinois communities."

Read more: Manar secures $44 million in road projects for Macon County