Illinois House Republican leader Tom Cross and State Rep. David Wirsing (R-Sycamore) will meet with NIU and community leaders Tuesday to discuss both on- and off-campus job opportunities as well as methods to secure funding for future projects.

Wirsing said to succeed with these plans, the assistance of the community – students included – is necessary to help ensure goals are fully met.

“Creating new employment opportunities and protecting our jobs on and off campus must continue to be our top priority, and that will take a coordinated effort of our entire community,” Wirsing said.

One of the primary reasons behind the meetings is to show Cross his district, so concerns of the constituents can be better understood, Wirsing said.

The meetings will be held at three different locations. The first, which will address concerns related to NIU, will be at 1 p.m. at Barsema Hall.

“This is an opportunity to show the connection between the classroom and the government,” Wirsing said.

The second meeting will be at 2:30 p.m. in the board meeting room of the Sycamore Community Unit School District 427 administrative offices, 245 W. Exchange St. The meeting will include business, agricultural and education leaders.

The last meeting will focus on DeKalb County’s fire and police departments’ preparedness for possible terrorist attacks. It will be at 3:15 p.m. in the second floor training room of the Sycamore Fire Station, 535 DeKalb Ave.

“Given the state’s financial approach and the new governor, it will be a great opportunity to show we’re doing what we can to keep a healthy budget,” Wirsing said.

Wirsing said he encourages students to attend. He said it will be a way for students to get involved in state and local government.