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By Nate Bloomquist

Weller, a Republican is in his third term as the Congressman for the state’s 11^th District, visited IVCC to conclude his tour of area schools that also included Ottawa Marquette and Streator.

The representative met with college president Dr. Jean Goodnow and discussed several education issues. Weller said he tries to meet with educational leaders from his district at least once a year.

"It’s great to sit down with them and discuss the issues that we are currently facing in education," he said.

Weller also discussed some of the programs he’s been working on in Washington.

"We’ve worked over the past year to make college more affordable," he said. "Part of that is obviously junior colleges."

One of those programs is known as Ed-Flex, or the Education Flexibility Act of 1999. The act provides states and local schools with greater flexibility in using federal funds in exchange for increased accountability of student achievement.

"We also want to expand education savings accounts for parents from $500 to $2000," said Weller, who was born in Streator. "It’s like an (Individual Retirement Account) for education."

Weller said because of the balanced budget in Washington, there will be more money available for schools.

"Our goal in the Republican congress is to make education even more affordable," he said. "Everyone who wants the opportunity to get a higher education should have it. We’ve also worked to make sure the dollars reach the classroom."

Weller took tour of the IVCC campus with Goodnow as the guide. The congressman stopped at IVCC’s Smart classroom lecture hall (D-225), where science instructor gave a demonstration of the Smart classroom’s technology.

The tour also passed through IVCC’s virtual classroom where IVCC is linked with Ottawa Marquette and Putnam County High Schools.

Weller was impressed with the tour.