Batinick files guaranteed admissions bill to keep Illinois students in state

State Representative Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) has filed legislation aimed at keeping Illinois students in state for college. The bill, HB4088, would create the Rewarding Excellence with Higher Education Guaranteed Admissions Act and grant admission to any state university for any student that scores in the top 10 percent on either the ACT or SAT.

Representative Batinick filed this legislation after hearing about too many students in his own community who received high test scores, yet were denied admission to Illinois' own universities. "We have great schools here, and we should be creating better opportunities for our best students so they can stay in Illinois," Rep. Batinick said. "The future lies in our younger population. If we are going to help turn our state around, we need to take a closer look at our admissions to our state schools."

According to the Board of Higher Education, 48.4 percent of Illinois graduates who enroll in four-year institution go to school out of state-a number that has nearly doubled since 2002.

"Too many of our brightest students are leaving for better opportunities in other states" Batinick continued. "When students leave Illinois, a large percentage of them do not return. Our most precious resource is our educated youth and we must reverse this trend."

HB4088 is currently in the Rules Committee in the House of Representatives awaiting further consideration.

Batinick to Hold Senior Tech Seminar

State Representative Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) will be hosting a senior technology seminar in partnership with AT&T. The event will help guide senior citizen's in Rep. Batinick's 97th District through demonstrations, presentations and more to help them with the changing landscape of technology and smart phones.

The Senior Technology Seminar will be held on Wednesday, February 26 from 9-11a.m. at the Plainfield Community Center, 15014 S. Des Plaines Street. The event is free and open to all senior citizens in the area.

Representative Batinick is eager to hold this event for his community, to help seniors improve their relationship with technology. "We have a great senior community here in the 97th District, and this is a resource I felt could help benefit them, so they can continue living their best lives.

There are so many apps that are helpful for everyday life that seniors can be utilizing, and this seminar will help teach that and so much more."

With questions about the upcoming event, visit RepBatinick.com, or contact his district office at (815) 254-0000.