i want to commend senator kimberly lightford in particular for all the work that she did to expand public charter schools in illinois. we were able to sign that law and i think it is quick to make a difference for children who want that particular education across our state. and just yesterday, the general assembly in very quick time working with a lot of different people -- and i want to salute roger eddy, jerry mitchell who worked so hard and getting all law passed that could make a difference for years to come, called "raced to the top," accountable education. we have to comply with a federal deadline of next week to get our application in for up to $500 million in federal money for race to the top to make sure that our education in our state at the elementary and secondary level is second to none. it is so gratifying to see so many school districts, i think up to 340 school districts, have already signed on to participate in this program.