Illinois Valley Times

State Rep. David Welter (R-Morris) recently challenged the unfunded state mandates forced on school districts, government agencies and local municipalities.

"Each year, Springfield passes unfunded mandates on local communities that are expensive and require manpower the local government is not prepared for," Welter said. "The unfunded mandates from Springfield must stop. I am committed to making it easier for local governments to do their job, uninhibited by Springfield politics."

The legislature imposes a variety of mandates on schools and local governments. The mandates must be fulfilled, however, the state doesn't provide funding. School district mandates range from classroom activities to holidays.

Unpopular mandates include a requirement that schools offer driver education and daily physical education classes. The state also places restrictions on contracting with vendors for transportation and custodial work. Without funding to pay for these mandates, local homeowners are assessed with additional property taxes to pay for the required services or classes.

Illinois homeowners already pay the second-highest property taxes in the nation, with New Jersey taking first place. Reducing the number of unfunded mandates will ease the financial burden on school districts and the taxpayers.