Our children deserve the brightest future and best opportunities for success we can provide for them, and two of the fundamental assets of their early education must include teaching them to read and write. Students who struggle with literacy can fall behind their peers quickly, and the consequences are compounded as they get older. The importance of literacy is not lost on House Republicans, who believe an important goal in Illinois should be for every child to read and write at their grade level or higher.

Women's History Month has been an annual celebration in the United States since 1987, but its roots go back to a weeklong event in Sonoma, California, in 1978. The celebration was expanded to a month-long observance by Congress in 1987, to recognize the often-overlooked achievements of women throughout history.

Here in Illinois, we're proud to have several women stepping up to represent their communities in the House Republicans. These women bring a wealth of diverse experiences and a shared commitment to public service. They've made significant strides in healthcare, education, and economic development, showing us all what dedicated leadership looks like. Their hard work and advocacy have opened doors for future generations of women leaders.