Closing Colleges? Students Unite To Fight Governor Withholding Education Funds

Running a government, whether it is a city, state, or country, is like running a household. You look at what your operating costs are, look at your total household income, and decide how to spend the money you make to pay bills and make sure everyone is fed, clothed, kept warm and safe, and educated.  That's what good parents do to take care of the children whose lives are in their hands. The problem with some elected officials is that they are not being good "parents" of the "children" they are supposed to take care of, namely, the voters who are entrusting them with decisions that affect people's lives.  Schools in Illinois are being threatened with closure because Governor Bruce Rauner, elected by a small percentage of votes, has held up the release of funds for education, refusing to sign legislation presented by the Illinois General Assembly. Students have united to fight for their right to receive education and are mounting a massive voter registration drive, as well as mass demonstrations and lobbying elected officials to push the Governor to act. If not, what next? Students have already shown how economic boycotts and refusal of sports teams to play can have an impact. Today's guests, student leaders Darren Martin from Chicago State University and Nicolas Martinez from Northeastern Illinois University discuss the power of a new, politically involved, educated generation.