Calendar and Members: Legislative Committee | Policy Committee | Financial Advisory Committee

Background and History:
The Legislative Committee was established by the Board of Education in February 1990 and charged with the responsibility of keeping the Board updated on current legislation and its impact on District 58.

Mission:
The Mission of the Legislative Committee is to assess existing and proposed state and federal education legislation; impact and promote legislation in support of District 58; and communicate vital information to our school community.

Committee Charge:

1. Discuss, analyze and evaluate pending legislation and related issues that will impact District 58.
2. Encourage and support legislation that:
• Provides a blend of stable and adequate funding sources for free public education;
• Fosters a climate for the improvement of educational programs and educational opportunity for all public school children in the state;
• Provides property tax relief which is fair not only to taxpayers, but fair to children, the nation's future;
• Funds state mandated programs with state revenues;
• Is consistent with the state's constitutional obligations for public school funding;
• Maintains the use of public tax dollars for appropriate public education;
• Maintains local control of public schools.
3. Promote legislative issues through education:
• Work with the PTA to educate parents. Activities may include articles in PTA newsletters, presentations at PTA meetings, supporting letter writing campaigns, and assisting with lobbying trips to Springfield. Legislative information, including Committee minutes and explanations of pending bills, should be shared with PTA.
• Inform local residents and taxpayers. Activities may include regular articles in the district newsletter explaining current issues, editorials in local newspapers, presentations at local civic organization meetings, updated information on district website.
4. Establish mutually beneficial relationships with local legislators:
• Frequent contact with state and federal legislators representing Downers Grove.
• Attend meetings and functions where legislators will be present.
• Invite legislators to attend functions in Downers Grove.
• Host annual Legislative Breakfast to discuss current issues.
5. Participate in Legislative Education Network of DuPage (LEND) and Education-Research-Development (ED-RED).
6. Report to the Board of Education at their monthly meeting