ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- Dozens of stateline residents want to know how local legislative candidates will help struggling school districts if they're elected.

Seven candidates showed up for tonight's forum at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockford. Democrats Dan Lewandowski, Marla Wilson, Steve Stadelman and republican Frank Gambino are running for the 34th District Senate seat.

Democrats Carl Wasco, Clint Little and republican John Cabello are running for the 68th District House seat.

Cabello said, "Number one we can't fund our own children to go to school, how are we supposed to fund other people from other countries to go to school."

That was the republican's response to a question about allowing the children of illegal immigrants to stay in this country and go to school. Cabello was the only candidate who spoke against the move tonight.

A panel of three asked four other questions including whether or not candidates support consolidating school districts and having school districts contribute more to pensions. However one parent said she would've liked to hear more about handling college expenses.

"The cost of sending two children to school soon is overwhelming to me right now so I would like to hear some of their ideas on reducing tuition in Illinois," said Rockford parent and Belvidere teacher Lisa Jewell.

The legislators who hold the current house and senate seats were not at tonight's forum because they are currently at the capitol for the spring legislative session.

There will be another candidate forum for house and senate candidates on February 19th at First Presbyterian Church, located at 406 N. Main St. It will be from 2-4 p.m.

A forum for State's Attorney, County Board Chairman and County Board seats will be held Thursday, February 2nd at Allen Chapel. That is located at 3000 Rural St. The forum starts at 6:30 p.m.