JOLIET—  The Illinois Education Association (IEA) has endorsed State Senator AJ Wilhelmi (D-Joliet) in his bid to continue serving the people of Will County in the 43^rd Senate District. 

The IEA is an association of more than 130,000 members of Illinois’ educational community.  It includes elementary school teachers, high school teachers, university professors, support staff, and retired educators.  For more than 150 years, the IEA has strived to improve the quality and equity of public education. 

“I am honored that the IEA believes I am the candidate who will best protect the interests of Will County’s children,” Wilhelmi said.  “Preparing our kids for the future, giving them the foundation they need to become productive, successful citizens, is one of the most important duties of the state.”

Wilhelmi has worked with local leaders to improve area schools.  Last year, he passed legislation that enabled Lockport High School District 204 (SB 1995) and Wilmington School District 209 (SB 2507) to sell bonds for much-needed school construction projects.  He also supported a plan to reform education funding, shifting much of the expense of maintaining schools from local property taxes to state revenue and increasing the per-pupil foundation funding level.

Ed Rosenthal a former teacher at Joliet Catholic and current Bolingbrook resident adds, “Teachers are proud to stand with A.J. Wilhelmi and lend him our support; from securing funds to build new schools in Will County to resisting harmful cuts to education and preschool, Sen Wilhelmi has clearly shown that he puts the interest of our schools and our children first."

“Education is the great equalizer—the factor that gives everyone a chance to succeed,” Wilhelmi said.  “We need to make sure every student in this state has the same chance at success.  Our children need to study in safe, uncrowded classrooms.  Our schools need to have adequate resources to supply up-to-date textbooks, technology training, and healthy lunches.  I am dedicated to working with the IEA, parents, and local superintendents to protect and improve school funding and conditions.”