IL Senator Syverson Insists All Elected Officials Take an Economics Course

The proposal requires elected officials take an eight hour economics course. County board members, state legislators, even aldermen would have to take the class every two years.

Record pension debt, a backlog of unpaid bills, loss of jobs to surrounding states all has Senator Dave Syverson wanting to send Illinois lawmakers back to economics class.

34^th District Illinois State Senator Dave Syverson says "I've just noticed over my time in dealing with Springfield and dealing with local governments that a lot of the decisions that are being made just aren't well economically thought out."

Syverson mentions politicians just aren't applying basic economic principles. Stating it's quote "an Illinois problem."

Sen. Syverson says "we see Indiana growing their economy, Texas talking about giving tax cuts is in the process of ordering trailers because they can't build homes fast enough. This isn't the national problem."

The eight hour economics class would be offered through community colleges.

67^th District State Representative Chuck Jefferson asks "who's paying for all this?  Where's the money coming from? We know that the state doesn't have any money. We're having a hard time paying the bills that we've already accumulated so where's this money coming from. "

Sen. Syverson explains elected officials would pay for the tuition similar to continuing education courses "we believe that having the latest information makes you a better professional well then why wouldn't we want to do that same thing for our elected officials."

Rep. Jefferson says economic experts already volunteer their time, but he's open to the idea. 

Rep. Jefferson explains "I've already got an economic development committee in place in my office to address those issues with people who are very versed on the economy."