MONMOUTH, Illinois -
High school students are cutting through static in Springfield and tuning in for Illinois school funding during a live radio broadcast in Monmouth on Tuesday.
"We have a right to education in our state," said Lakota Beach, 18. "We shouldn't have to run away from our state to prosper and be better."
They know that the one-year school budget deal is just a quick fix.
"Education prepares the future for generations," said Claire Wynne, 17, an incoming senior at United High School. "That should be the most important thing."
Like several other local school districts, Monmouth-Roseville High couldn't last a full year without a state budget.
Schools faced starting late, ending early and prompting worries.
"Am I going to be able to get all of the necessary requirements to even graduate?" asked incoming junior Jack Landers, 16.
There was concern about missing so much when the learning stops.
"There were a lot of people saying that they might not even come to school," Landers added.
This forum, hosted by the Regional Office of Education, wants to change all that.
"I would like to see future generations get the opportunities that I've been given," said Kami Endress, 17, a soon-to-be senior at West Central High.
Reform efforts fell short in the past.
"This is not an easy thing," said IL Rep. Don Moffitt, (R) Gilson.
Rep. Moffitt warns that long-term solutions won't come quickly this time.
"Don't rush to judgment," he said. "It's good that the dialog is taking place, but it won't be a quick fix."
Lawmakers credit a trip to Springfield by students and Regional Office of Education for helping to end the impasse for school funding.