This slide uses Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 as an example from the last year

we had a state budget in place.

Many of you have contacted me about your frustration that there hasn't been a full, balanced budget for Illinois in two years now. I share your frustration and want you to see the process as it is supposed to happen under our state constitution. You may click HERE to see the entire power point presentation.

"A big thank you to AT&T for underwriting the cost of this shred truck again this year," said Rep. John Cavaletto, Republican Spokesperson for the House Environment committee. "This was popular last year for those who took advantage of the opportunity to destroy old documents with personal information on medical and financial paperwork," Cavaletto added.

Effingham Fire Chief Joesph Holomy and Rep. John Cavaletto (107th District)

Rep. John Cavaletto, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, and Rep. Carol Sente

State Rep. Carol Sente, State Fire Marshall Matthew Perez, Ramsey Fire Chief, & Rep. Cavaletto.

State Rep. Carol Sente, State Fire Marshall Matthew Perez, and Rep. John Cavaletto

"This memorial program that I have attended every year while serving in the state legislature, hits close to home with mixed emotions of pride and sadness for me," said Rep. John Cavaletto, who serves as the Republican Spokesperson on the Fire & Emergency Services committee. "I have a son who is a firefighter and I feel for the families each year who have lost a loved one," Cavaletto added.

The 24th Annual Memorial program for Illinois Fallen Firefighters and Fire Fighting Medal of Honor Awards can be found here.

"In 1993 the Illinois Fire Services Association unanimously agreed that a monument should be erected to serve as the official memorial; it was to be located on the grounds adjacent to the state Capitol building. The Memorial would be viewed by thousands of visitors year ‘round.

The Firefighter Medal of Honor Committee, appointed by the Governor, assumed the responsibility of bringing the Memorial to reality. Working with the Secretary of State’s office, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and a nationally recognized sculptor, the committee developed a design concept to transform the site into a Memorial in which the fire service of Illinois would be proud.

The Illinois Firefighter Memorial is dedicated to the firefighters of Illinois, who have given their lives in the line of duty and to those firefighters who heroically serve with courage, pride and honor. The artist was commissioned to design and construct an original bronze work of art consisting of four life-size figures of firefighters in full gear, a child, a ladder and hose.

There are 2,400 red paver bricks which are enclosed by a 2 foot wall with capstones engraved with contributor’s names. It is here, at the Illinois Firefighter Memorial, that we honor those who have made the supreme sacrifice."

Patoka School cooks who make the program work are (l-r) front row: Tammy Adams, Linda Felchlia, Mary Vosholler, and Kristi Beckman. Back row is Superintendent David Rademacher, Rep. Cavaletto, and Ashley Hoffman, U of I Extension.

State Rep. John Cavaletto attended an open house at Patoka School this morning to observe a new school breakfast program. This pilot program called "Breakfast After the Bell" was established with legislation co-sponsored by Rep. Cavaletto, who serves as Republican Spokesperson on the Elementary & Secondary Education: Licensing, Administration & Oversight Committee as well as the Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education Committee.

"I spent 38 years working in education as a teacher, coach and principal, and I know first-hand the importance of having breakfast and its impact on learning," said Rep. Cavaletto. "Not only is there better academic achievement from students who eat breakfast, but the research shows that there is better cognitive performance and a decrease in behavioral problems," he added.

This program will start in the 2017-2018 school year and will bring an additional $42 million in federal reimbursements to Illinois. The "Breakfast After the Bell" program provides schools the flexibility to choose a delivery model that works for them. Some of the options include Grab 'N' Go (where students can pick up a bag breakfast before or after school and eat in the cafeteria, on their way to class or at their desk), In the Classroom (where school nutrition staff deliver meals to the classroom as the school day begins), and Second Chance (where the meal is served in the hallway or cafeteria after first period).

Some of the community groups supporting this pilot program include the Illinois Parent-Teacher Association, the Central Illinois Foodbank, the YMCA and Catholic Charities.