http://www.presidencia.gob.mx/en/press/?contenido=33761

President Calderón Meets with Governor of Illinois, Rod R. Blagojevich

Tuesday, February 12 | Special Events/Communications

Chicago, Illinois

Mexican President Felipe Calderón met with Governor of the State of Illinois, Rod R. Blagojevich and Governor of Zacatecas, Amalia GarcÃ*a Medina.

During the meeting, the President congratulated Governor Blagojevich on the close relationship he has established with the Mexican community resident in Illinois, and particularly on the All Kids health program, medical coverage offered to all children in the state regardless of their migratory status.

The Mexican President hailed the increase in efforts to ensure children's health, particularly those living in less favorable conditions, as in the case of Medical Insurance for a New Generatlon

For his part, Governor Blagojevich expressed his interest in fostering collaboration with Mexico and strengthening both trade links and those related to the community living in the state of Illinois. Mexico is Illinois’ second most important trading partner due to its volume of exports to this country.

In order to explore opportunity niches in the trade relationship, a business meeting between ProMéxico, and the US-Mexico and Illinois Chambers of Commerce was scheduled for next May.

Zacatecas governor Amalia GarcÃ*a Medina also thanked Governor Blagojevich for his government's support of the Mexican community and acknowledged the importance of the agreement signed by Federal Government through the Public Education Secretariat and the Illinois state education authorities.

This agreement will permit the temporary hiring of Mexican teachers in this US state. It will also promote the growing exchange of information and educational and cultural experiences that will enrich the education systems of both countries and foster greater understanding.

This mechanism will enable children and youth currently enrolled in bilingual programs to be taught by highly qualified Mexican teachers who speak both languages and are more familiar with their educational and cultural characteristics and will therefore be able to contribute to the success of their teaching-learning process.

This institutional effort will also reinforce Mexico’s cultural and educational presence and further strengthen links with Mexican communities in the state of Illinois.

The Chicago area is home to the second largest Mexican community in the United States. It is estimated that the student population of Mexican origin at Illinois schools exceeds 340,000.

The agreement was signed by Public Education Secretary Josefina Vázquez Mota, Illinois State Superintendent of Education Christopher Koch and President of Illinois State Education Board, Jesse Ruiz.