PORT BYRON, Ill. - On Wednesday, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale visited with several classes of fourth graders at George O. Barr elementary in Silvis, following their recent trip to the Illinois State Capitol in October, to discuss the legislature and the lawmaking process.
"I want to thank the administration, teachers and staff at George O. Barr elementary school for inviting me to visit, and I hope our conversation and their visit to the Illinois Capitol building inspires the student to remain interested in government," Smiddy said. "Even at a young age, it's important to begin to understand the role of government and current events."
Smiddy addressed three fourth grade classes during his visit to discuss how a bill becomes a law and Illinois current events and met with teachers and the school's superintendent. During the spring legislative session, Smiddy supported a measure to require Illinois high school student to take one semester of civics courses before graduation. The bill received bipartisan support and became law on August 21.
