HARRISBURG, IL – Illinois lawmakers are expecting to be called back to Springfield for another day of session on the education funding reform, according to State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg).
There appears to be a tentative agreement in principle amongst the four legislative leaders, which could fix the now 20-plus year old education funding formula. It is almost universally-accepted that schools in Illinois need a different funding solution to ensure educational dollars are more equitably distributed to reach schools serving the state’s most impoverished students.
The Great American Eclipse brought hundreds of thousands of Americans and foreign visitors to locations across the 59th Senate District, for what was some of the best eclipse viewing in the nation. The eclipse provided an excellent opportunity for Southern Illinois to showcase its hospitality. Aside from large traffic lines on major thoroughfares and several temporary closures of areas in the Shawnee National Forest, the event went off without a “hitch.” Senator Fowler expressed his gratitude for the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement officers who kept the public safe. Additionally, the economic numbers are still being added up, but the economic impact driven by tourism and commerce associated with the event will be immense.
As a perfect follow-up to Southern Illinois’ biggest tourism event in decades, Senator Fowler spent his week focused on expanding tourism opportunities in the 59th District. The Senator is beginning a YouTube series on tourism attractions in the area. The series will be an ongoing endeavor, as this week’s stops included filming in Alexander, Franklin, Hardin, Johnson, Saline, and Williamson Counties.
Senator Fowler also met with three Hardin County mayors to discuss tourism efforts along the Ohio River.