International Summit for the Elimination of Club Drugs

Pledging to reduce the flow of dangerous club drugs into the United States, Congressman Mark Kirk, joined Belgian Ambassador Frans van Daele, Dutch Ambassador Boudewijn Johannes van Eenennaam, and White House Drug Czar John Walters, to unveil an international anti-club drug strategy at Wheeling High School. "Our government's prime mission is to protect its citizens - especially children - from new and potent dangers," said Kirk. "One of the fastest growing threats to young Americans is posed by club drugs such as Ecstasy. I am pleased that the Dutch and Belgian Ambassadors and the White House Drug Czar have joined me to unveil our international effort to reduce the flow of club drugs into the United States." Congressman Kirk, a member of Speaker of the House, J. Dennis Hastert's Drug Task Force and cosponsor of the 'Ecstasy Prevention Act,' established his own Drug Task Force in the 10th District made up of community leaders, drug prevention advocates, and law enforcement officials. Members of the congressman's Student Leadership Advisory Board also offered first-hand account of illegal drug problems in our communities.

Kirk Partners With Chicago Bulls To Prevent Youth Violence

The murder of two North Chicago youths shocked our communities and spurred to action Congressman Kirk and Bull's Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. Community leaders identified a lack of schools activities for nearly 4,000 kids in the North Chicago community as a factor in youth violence. Kirk and Reinsdorf joined forces to build a world-class basketball facility in North Chicago - funded by the Chicago Bull's organization. "Sometimes being a congressman goes beyond moving government programs. The Bulls built this project so fast that they had an immediate impact on stopping the cycle of violence. This is public-private partnership at its best," said Kirk during the court unveiling ceremony.

Student Leaders Help Congress

Congressman Kirk established his Student Leadership Advisory Board as a first step toward including tomorrow's leaders in issues facing our country today. Junior class presidents from every 10th District high school are invited to join the advisory board to provide input on issues ranging from illegal drug use in our schools to how to pay for college and the inefficiencies of college entry exams. Congressman Kirk has encouraged the group to take up a public service project in the district and continue to provide first hand advice and input on reducing the use of 'club' and other illegal drugs by young people. "These young men and women represent tomorrow's leaders and decision makers. Their commitment to community and service to their schools is commendable. I am honored to represent them in the congress and value their advice and insights as we tackle complicated issues facing today's youth," said Kirk.

Strengthening Early Childhood Education

Congressman Kirk voted for legislation modernizing Head Start, one of the most successful federal programs, providing nursery school classes for lower income kids. This legislation - the School Readiness Act - provides a $200 million funding increase with new places for 10,000 disadvantaged children. "Our children from lower income families deserve the chance to enter Kindergarten at the same level as their peers," said Kirk.

Boosting Special Education Funding

Reinforcing his belief that kids come first, Congressman Kirk sponsored legislation to mandate full funding for special education programs. He backed passage of a $1 billion budget increase for special education and supported new legislation to reduce the paperwork burden on teachers. "By focusing resources on the needs of very young children, we help return over half of special needs children to mainstream classrooms and achievement," said Kirk.