Past and present government officials will join together today to announce a new statewide initiative aimed at promoting and improving Illinois' public education system.

Former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, former Commerce Secretary William M. Daley, former Gov. Jim Edgar, Chicago City Clerk Miguel del Valle and Joyce Foundation President Ellen Alberding will make the announcement during a Chicago press conference and through interviews with statewide media.

The group will announce the launch of Advance Illinois, "an independent, objective voice to promote a public education system in Illinois that prepares all students to be ready for work, college and democratic citizenship," according to a press release.

Findings of a new report, "The State We're In: Advancing Public Education in Illinois," will also be released.