Metro East Sun

Young Illinoisans across the state are turning their tassels and ending their most recent education chapter, and state Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Union) shared her congratulations to her graduating constituents on May 17. 

With over 50 school districts in her jurisdiction, Bryant wished good luck to all high school seniors in Sinclair, Monroe, Randolph, Perry, Jackson, Union, Washington and Jefferson counties. 

"I want to say to you congratulations," Bryant said, "and more than that, you’re more than just the future of this country. You are the beating heart of who we really are and there’s so many great things ahead of you."

With a difficult school year behind them, Bryant assured the graduating class that nothing but positive things are ahead.

"Keep in mind that you have friends and family, parents, elected officials, people all around you who are here to help you in any way that you need," Bryant said. "I’m here, just a phone call away if there’s anything that I could do as you work through these next few months and on forward into a great life. God bless you, and I wish you nothing but awesomeness going forward.”

In other recent news, Bryant has been vocal about her frustration with Gov. J.B. Pritzker and his neglect in ensuring an independent redistricting commission happened this year. 

"It appears that the governor just will not release the hold that he has on the people of this state," Bryant said in April. "Again, he has not invited the Legislature to assist him in these decisions that he's making." 

In a Facebook post Bryant said that a nonpartisan map is the best way to ensure that Illinoisans' votes are counted. 

"For too long, the people of Illinois have been deprived of this right," the senator said. 

Bryant was also one of several legislators to show gratitude to her support staff last month. 

"In the crazy life of an Illinois senator there is  absolutely no way we can get everything done we need to do without  legislative aides," Bryant said according to North Egypt News. "And on this Administrative Assistants  Day I want to give a special shoutout to Cathy and Carrie in the  Murphysboro office and Cheyenne who is brand new to the Illinois Senate  and has made my life much easier here in the capitol. I couldn’t do it without you three ladies. Thank you so much."