Illinois lawmakers say the state should spend more money to make it safer for children to walk to school. Springfield Republican Reps. Tim Butler and Sara Wojcicki Jimenez and a dozen advocates walked Wednesday from the Capitol to Cathedral School downtown to publicize their plea.
Officials say nearly five Illinois children are hit by cars every day within a block of a school. Supporters want $5 million more for a government program called Illinois Safe Routes to School.
It has paid nearly $50 million since 2005 for 500 safety projects such as improving street-pavement conditions, adding bike lanes and breaking up gangs that can interfere with children answering the school bell. Northbrook Democratic state Rep. Elaine Nekritz is the legislation's sponsor.
