Senator to Hill students: Democratic Process Needs Input, Cooperation

Illinois Senator Pat McGuire addresses 4th and 5th graders at R.C. Hill Monday on the first day of the Romeoville elementary school’s Career Week. Submitted by Valley View School District:

Illinois Senator Pat McGuire is looking forward to next year’s legislative session in Springfield and is encouraging his 43rd District constituents to make their views known to him as often as possible.

Speaking to 4th and 5th graders Monday during the kickoff of R.C. Hill Elementary School’s Career Week, Sen. McGuire pointed out that state legislators “all want the best for Illinois” but there will always be disagreement on how to get there.”

“The legislature is no place to be selfish,” he said. “We all have to work together.”

Known for his ability to work with both sides of the aisle, Sen. McGuire admitted he takes great pride in the fact that bills he sponsors have support from both Democrats and Republican. “It means more to voters if you have bi-partisan support,” he said.

He responded to students’ questions by explaining how a bill is created, how citizens can give input on a bill and how the bill is passed.

“I need to hear the views of the people I represent. I may disagree with them, but I want to hear from them,” Sen. McGuire said. “I represent the 220,000 people who live in the 43rd district but I also have to represent the entire state because the laws we pass affect everyone.”

He urged students to be sure to register to vote when they turn 18 because “voting is the base of citizenship.”