Statement from Governor Pat Quinn on Senate Bill 1307

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today released the following statement on the Senate's passage of Senate Bill 1307, which lowers the state's compulsory school age to six:

"We took another step forward today in our mission to ensure that every child in Illinois is prepared to succeed.

"Getting students through the doors at age six is an investment in their future and in the proven benefits of early childhood education.

"This legislation will provide our youngest learners with a solid foundation to achieve not only in primary and secondary school, but also in college, career, and beyond.

"I commend Senator Kimberly Lightford for her work on this issue and members of the Senate who voted today for Senate Bill 1307, and I look forward to signing it into law."