State representatives will seek input from Hispanic-American DeKalb residents in shaping the spring legislative agenda.

State Rep. Bob Pritchard (R-Hinckley), with the help of a Hispanic council, made a legislative survey that analyzes local Hispanic-Americans’ needs for government programs.

Pritchard said the survey will help organize the spring agenda so the correct priorities can be set in Congress.

“The goal of this survey is to help me better represent the Hispanic-American constituents in my district,” Pritchard said.

The survey consists of eight questions that help identify residents’ everyday needs, including assistance in transportation and tutoring needs for children.

Pritchard met with a Hispanic-American council to put together the questions for the survey.

Maria Caudillo, owner of Reyna’s Peluquería Beauty and Barber Shop, 149 S. Third St., said she liked the survey questions.

“The biggest problem is public transportation, especially during the winter,” Caudillo said.

She said buses that run from dominantly Hispanic areas to Kishwaukee Hospital, 626 Bethany Road, and Wal-Mart, 2300 Sycamore Road, are needed.

DeKalb has no public transportation other than the NIU bus circuit, she said.

Caudillo also said DeKalb needs a local government center that can offer programs to the Hispanic community.

“I had to go to Chicago just to get a tax ID number,” she said.

Until DeKalb gets a government center, she said there should be a shuttle that runs from DeKalb to Chicago at least once a week.

Surveys are available at Pritchard’s Web site , www.PritchardStateRep.com, or at the Lo Nuestro news office at 629 E. Lincoln Highway.