At Saturday’s Legislative Breakfast, the panelists were agreed: constituent voices count. Speaking at the annual event sponsored by the District 41 PTA and administration, State Senator Dan Cronin, State Representative Sandra Pihos, Regional Superintendent Dr. Darlene Ruscitti and LEND Lobbyist Peg Agnos all shared examples of how input from community residents affected education legislation. "When issues come up, it’s important to bring your opinions forward, it does make a difference," said Pihos, who noted that she hears from many District 41 parents. A lot of the conversation centered on funding issues, from discussing the contention over the state budgeting process, to the restoration of gifted education as a line item in that budget, to a project regarding Special Education funding that will look at overall investment, what districts pay and what the state reimbursement levels are. Whether your interest revolves around your local school or centers on the state level, the first step is understanding how to get in touch with those who represent your interests in Springfield. Below is contact information:

State Senator Dan Cronin, 21st Legislative District
SenatorCronin@aol.com, www.senatorcronin.com
313 S. Main St., Lombard IL 60148
(630) 792-0040

309G Capitol Building, Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-8107

State Representative Sandra Pihos, Illinos District 42
www.sandrapihos.com
799 E. Roosevelt Rd., Building 2, Suite 111, Glen Ellyn IL 60137
(630) 858-8855

225-N Stratton Office Building, Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-8037

Darlene Ruscitti, Regional Superintendent
druscitti@dupage.k12.il.us, www.dupage.k12.il.us
421 County Farm Rd., Wheaton IL 60187
(630) 407-5800

Peg Agnos, Executive Director, Legislative Education Network of Dupage
pagnos@lend-dupage.org, www.lend-dupage.org
22W600 Butterfield Rd., Glen Ellyn IL 60137
(630) 418-2954