On-line Petition Opposing Senate Bill Which Strips State Funding From Schools

State Representative Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) has posted an on-line petition in opposition of Senate Bill 16, a bill that would strip millions away from hundreds of Illinois school districts and channel the money toward other schools.

The petition is available on Wheeler’s legislative web site at http://www.ilhousegop.org/sb16__petition and citizens from across the state are encouraged to sign it.

SB16 is a massive rewrite of the school funding formula that determines how General State Aid (GSA) is distributed to Illinois’ school districts. It does not add any additional funding toward education.  As written and approved in the Senate, the bill uses a weighted formula that is punitive to most suburban school districts.

“Most of my school districts will lose between 70%-86% of their State funding if Senate Bill 16 is passed and signed into law,” said Wheeler. “This bill does not solve funding inequities in Illinois. It’s just an unfair redistribution of funds with every one of my school districts losing large amounts of money.”

Wheeler is a Chief Co-Sponsor of House Resolution 1276, a measure that denounces SB16 and encourages a comprehensive and fair funding reform process that is inclusive of all stakeholder points of view. “SB16 is not the answer to education funding reform,” said Wheeler. “Funding for education is a very serious issue and the ultimate reforms should not create winners and losers, but rather create a system where all kids can be winners.”

Dense Breast Tissue To Be Explained In Layman's Terms

Today, State Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) was proud to see Senate Bill 2314 become law.  The bill was motivated by her desire to protect women from hard to detect breast cancer.  Women with dense breast tissue are four to six times more likely to develop breast cancer, yet mammograms have a hard time detecting cancer in this type of tissue.  Rep. Wheeler passed SB 2314 in the spring which will have the meaning and consequences of “dense breast tissue” explained in layman’s terms.

“Early detection is the easiest way for women to protect themselves from breast cancer,” explained Rep. Wheeler. “This law will help give women the knowledge necessary to help make informed decisions, especially if they are at-risk.”

There are many reasons why woman are not exploring this common, yet risk-filled problem.  The most effective way to detect breast cancer in dense tissue is through an MRI or ultrasound, which can add significant cost to cancer screening.  These tests are typically reserved for woman with a high risk of breast cancer, which can cause a sense of fear among those who are recommended to have additional testing. Regardless, Wheeler believes lifesaving information trumps the potential fear and cost.

“Women have the right to have a full understanding of their health. This law will have the risks and consequences of dense tissue thoroughly explained,” said Wheeler. “With the right knowledge and doctor-to-patient support, women will be able to properly explore their best options in terms of screening and treatment.”

The Governor signed SB 2314 this morning and has now become law.

Representative Wheeler Calls For Metra Board Chair Resignation

In response to the unfolding scandal involving Metra, State Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) has called for the resignation of the Chairman of the Metra Board of Directors, Brad O’Halloran.

"It is time that we the taxpayers hold the people in charge responsible for the mishandling of a very messy situation," stated Rep. Wheeler. "It is unacceptable to use public dollars in secret maneuvers that are politically motivated. It is time for Chairman O’Halloran to resign his position so that Metra can move forward."

Recently, a behind-closed-doors severance package agreement was handed to the outgoing Metra Executive Director. This arrangement has been described as a “golden parachute” and a deal “shrouded in secrecy” due to the Metra Board of Directors’ attempts to keep the package from the public eye.

"As a member of the Mass Transit Committee, I have kept a close eye on the unraveling of the facts and details behind the situation at Metra," explained Rep. Wheeler. "The negligence displayed by the Board of Directors is disheartening as my constituents are footing the financial burden of the mismanagement of Metra."

Representative Wheeler, has signed on as a co-sponsor of a recently filed resolution, House Resolution 521, which officially calls for the resignation of the Metra Chairman and the selection of a new chairman by the Metra Board of Directors. The Resolution also acknowledges a related situation involving a fired Metra employee and overall attempts to block transparency.

Fun Day In Fox Lake For Children

 Children’s Health and Safety Fair

Saturday, June 8

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

Grant High School

285 E. Grand Avenue

Fox Lake.

Sponsored by State Representative Barbara Wheeler

Demonstrations include:

9:00 a.m. Lake County Sheriff K-9 Unit

10:00 a.m. Scholar Warrior Martial Arts

11:00 a.m. – McHenry Taekwondo Academy

12:00 p.m. Drawing for Door Prizes

 Other fun things include:

Touch-A-Truck

Rollover Simulator

US coast Guard Patrol Boat 

Police Squad

State Representative Wheeler Seated On House Education Committee

Drawing on her experience in primary education as a middle school teacher, State Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) has been seated on the House Elementary & Secondary Education Committee.  Rep. Wheeler taught middle school at Wauconda Middle School and holds a Master’s Degree in Education, Language, and Literacy from National Louis University.

“Education and the development of our young minds has always been a passion of mine,” said Wheeler.  “Illinois is home to some of the finest institutions in the nation.  I want us to build off our strengths while addressing our educational weaknesses as we prepare our children for their future.”

Wheeler says her priorities on Elementary & Secondary Education Committee include enhancing college preparedness and attacking Illinois’ high truancy rate.  Wheeler notes that while Illinois has a high college attendance rate, our preparedness rate is surprisingly low.  Just 19.3% of high school juniors met readiness scores in all four subjects tested on the ACT in 2010.  This issue is being further exasperated by a growing truancy rate.  Of the 30,000 students enrolled in Chicago Public Schools, 7.4% were labeled “chronically truant” in 2011; nearly double the rate from the previous year.

“While there are many fine aspects our education system in Illinois offers, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done in order for us to serve the best interests of our students,” said Wheeler.  “Truancy is an ever growing problem in Illinois and the trend needs to be reversed.  We need to ensure that our children are growing and learning in a safe environment that will give them all the tools available for a bright future.”

Overall, Wheeler will be serving on eight committees in the 98^th General Assembly.  In addition to the Elementary & Secondary Education Committee, Wheeler will be serving on the House International Trade & Commerce, Appropriations-Human Services, Mass Transit, Museums, Arts & Cultural Enhancement, Adoption Reform, State Government Administration, and Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges Committees.

“Serving on eight committees should prove to be quite an undertaking, but I am excited to be given such a responsibility as a freshman representative,” said Wheeler.  “These committees have much to offer the people of the 64^th District and I am hoping to maximize the benefits for the people I represent.”

Representative Wheeler Seeks Input From Constituents

With the 98th General Assembly scheduled to come back to Springfield in just one week, State Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) is asking her constituents to let her know their opinions on issues expected to come up in the next year.  Wheeler has written a survey using a free electronic service and is asking her constituents to follow the link and let her know how they feel.

“My office has been open for about two weeks now and I already have received people reaching out to me on issues that are important to them,” said Wheeler.  “My email inbox is full with people concerned about hydraulic fracturing and Medicaid funding.  I am asking my constituents to let me know how they feel on these and many other issues.”

Residents of the 64th Legislative District can go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LJLZNLY to fill out the survey.  Rep. Wheeler’s survey focuses on major issues expected to come up in the 98th General Assembly and issues that directly affect the people of Lake and McHenry Counties.  

The 64th Legislative District is composed of Eastern McHenry and Western Lake Counties, including municipalities such as Crystal Lake, McHenry, Spring Grove, Fox Lake, Antioch, and Lake Villa.

Contacts for Newly Elected Representative Barbara Wheeler

Just sworn into office last week, State Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) is ready to announce her legislative office opening and how to contact her in the district, in Springfield, and through social media.

Rep. Wheeler’s office in the district is located at 37 E Grave Avenue in Fox Lake.  Her office hours will be Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Thursday, noon-8:00 pm, and Saturday 9:00 am – noon.  The office can be contacted by calling (847) 973-0064.

“Living in a service-based economy, not everyone has the ability to contact their legislators between the hours of nine to five,” said Wheeler.  “My office hours may not be typical, but the  flexibility will make it easier for my constituents to reach out to me for assistance regardless of their busy schedules.”

In addition to her office in Fox Lake, Wheeler will also be operating a full time office in Springfield.  Her office is located at 214-N Stratton Office Building in Springfield and can be contacted by calling (217) 782-1664 or FAX (217) 557-7016 between the hours of 8:30 a.m.-4:30p.m.

Wheeler is also looking to keep in contact with her constituents through a strong internet presence.  Rep. Wheeler can be reached via email: repwheeler64@gmail.com, website: wheeler.ilhousegop.org, Twitter: @bmwheeler, and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StateRepresentativeBarbaraWheeler.

“In the information age, public servants need to be accessible physically, verbally, and electronically,” said Wheeler.  “I may be new to the social networking world, but I plan on keeping my constituency up to date on what I am doing in Springfield, major legislation being discussed, and local issues that affect us here at home.  It is my goal to always be accessible when I am needed.”

Office contact:

37 E Grand Ave. Suite 101                                                  214-N Stratton Office Building

Fox Lake, IL 60020                                                               Springfield, IL 62706

(847) 782-1664                                                                     (217) 782-1664

                                                                                                (217) 557-7016 FAX

Social media:

Email: repwheeler64@gmail.com

Website: wheeler.ilhousegop.org

Twitter: @bmwheeler

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StateRepresentativeBarbaraWheeler

Another McHenry Countian In State House

At a ceremony at the University of Illinois Springfield, State Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) took the oath of office to become State Rep. for the newly created 64th Legislative District.  Wheeler says she is humbled at the opportunity to serve the interests of her neighbors and friends in Springfield.

“The responsibility of serving as State Representative is not something I take lightly,” said Wheeler.  “I have been honored to serve the people of McHenry County as a County Board Member, now I take the challenge further to serve the interests of McHenry and Lake Counties in Springfield.”

Barbara has spent her entire adult life in public service, starting as volunteer for the United States Peace Corps.  She later served as a school teacher at Wauconda Middle School and was elected to the McHenry County Board in 2002.  As a Board Member, Barbara’s top priorities were conservation and fiscal responsibility.  She was awarded the Theta Award from the McHenry County Environmental Society for her conservation agenda.  Additionally, the County Board improved the bond rating to Aaa during her tenure.  Barbara stresses that in order to achieve these accomplishments in Illinois, the General Assembly needs to exert legislative courage.

 “There are major issues facing the State of Illinois,” said Wheeler.  “We have an underfunded pension system, an unwanted income tax increase, and billions of dollars in unpaid bills. Solutions to these problems are not easy.  We need to be brave.  We need to be courageous.  We need to stand up for what is right for the people of Illinois and deal with today’s problems now.  The people deserve this from their elected leaders.”

Wheeler says her top priorities in Springfield will be fixing the State’s finances while bringing jobs back to McHenry and Lake Counties.  She notes that dealing with the Illinois $96 billion in pension liability and allowing the 67% income tax increase to expire as solutions which the General Assembly needs the courage to solve.

“We have a unique problem in Illinois, where, despite extra revenue, pensions are still underfunded and bills are still unpaid,” said Wheeler.  “This is unacceptable.  The solutions are not easy, but there are ways for Illinois to fix its pensions, pay its bills, and allow the tax increase to expire.  We just need the courage to confront our current realities and get the job done.”