Syverson Calls For Continuing Education For Elected Officials

State Senator Dave Syverson believes that elected officials should be required to take mandatory economics continuing education instruction.  He cites doctors, lawyers, beauticians and many other professions who take classes to maintain professional knowledge in their field.

Syverson will introduce legislation in an attempt to fix the record pension debt, backlog of unpaid bills, failed social programs and the loss of jobs to other states.

"Why is it politicians seem to continually miss what in hindsight is such basic elementary economic truths? Part of the problem lies with the fact that so many of today's elected leaders come from backgrounds in social work, education, law, or government - all fine professions but none that come with any understanding of business or economics", Syverson said. "I do not doubt many of these leaders have good intentions; however, they are generally only trained to see or concentrate on what the direct immediate consequences of their legislation would have on the particular group or issue they are working on."

Syverson's legislation would require an eight-hour economics course be taken every two years. The curriculum would be developed by the Illinois Community College Board in conjunction with the state's manufacturing, agricultural, and business community.