Key Issues
Labor
Labor is the great equalizer and as the daughter of Organized Labor, I believe that workers should have the unobstructed right to organize and that the state should further Labor’s strength by legislation protecting and incentivizing organized Labor.
Project Labor Agreements (PLA)
They benefit all parties involved in large scale projects by central project management, consistent contractors, managing timelines and project costs which reduces time and cost overruns.
Worker Rights and Protections
Labor unions are the backbone of the fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, reasonable hours, and ensuring that every employee is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. By supporting organized labor, we pave the way for a more just and humane work environment.
Collective Strength
Labor unions provide workers with the collective strength they need to negotiate effectively with their employers. Through the process of collective bargaining, employees can unite their voices and advocate for improved wages, benefits, and job security. This empowers workers to level the playing field, promoting fairness and equity in our workplaces.
Economic Prosperity and Social Well-being
Embracing organized labor not only benefits workers but also fuels economic prosperity. By securing better compensation and job conditions, unions enhance workers’ purchasing power, which in turn stimulates consumer spending and bolsters local businesses. Moreover, labor unions often advocate for essential social welfare policies like affordable healthcare, retirement benefits, and job training programs, reducing poverty and inequality while promoting a more prosperous and compassionate society. Supporting organized labor is a win-win for workers and the broader community.
Reproductive Rights
I am 100% in support of an Illinois State Constitutional Amendment guaranteeing the right to reproductive autonomy. Women’s rights are under attack nationwide and we must take steps to further fortify reproductive rights at the state level.
Reproductive Rights Reproductive Autonomy and Personal Freedom
Every individual should have the right to make decisions about their own body and future, including whether to continue or terminate a pregnancy. By supporting a woman’s right to choose, we uphold the fundamental value of personal autonomy, allowing individuals to make the best choices for their unique circumstances, health, and well-being.
Health and Safety
Ensuring abortion access is essential for the health and safety of pregnant individuals. When safe and legal abortion options are available, it significantly reduces the risk of unsafe, self-induced abortions or seeking unregulated, underground procedures. Ensuring access to safe and medically supervised abortions not only protects the health of pregnant individuals but also saves lives by preventing risky alternatives.
Rural Community Growth
Prioritizing grant accessibility for rural communities under 5,000 is pivotal for growth, and strategies like expanding digital infrastructure, promoting agri-tourism, and developing rural co-living and workspaces can stimulate economic revitalization and attract a diverse range of residents.
Digital Infrastructure Development
Expanding digital infrastructure in rural areas is a critical innovative strategy for community growth. Access to high-speed internet, broadband connectivity, and technology hubs will empower rural communities by fostering online businesses, telecommuting, and e-commerce. This not only creates local job opportunities but also attracts remote workers and entrepreneurs, revitalizing rural economies.
Agri-Tourism and Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives
Promotion of agri-tourism and sustainable agriculture initiatives to boost rural community growth. By diversifying agricultural activities and encouraging sustainable farming practices, rural areas can attract tourists, create local food networks, and generate income from farm-to-table experiences. This not only stimulates economic growth but also preserves the rural way of life and natural landscapes.
Rural Co-Living and Workspaces
Develop co-living and co-working spaces specifically designed for rural areas. These innovative hubs provide affordable housing and office facilities, making rural living attractive to urban professionals seeking a change in lifestyle. By offering a blend of work and leisure opportunities, rural co-living and workspaces can revitalize rural communities, attract new residents, and support local businesses.
Childcare Access
In our district, only one in five children from birth through age 5 have access to quality early education or childcare options. That means that 80% of the children have no care available and therefore many parents cannot work. We must recognize the importance of early childhood education and accessible childcare and meet families where they are in order to help meet their needs.
Subsidized Child Care Programs
Illinois can expand and improve subsidized child care programs to make quality child care more affordable for low and moderate-income families. This includes increasing funding for programs like the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and revising income eligibility criteria to ensure that more families qualify for assistance. By reducing the financial burden on parents, these programs can make childcare more accessible and support working parents.
Investment in Early Childhood Education
Expanding investments in early childhood education can help improve the quality and availability of childcare services. Illinois can increase funding for public preschool programs and collaborate with local providers to offer high-quality early education and care. This not only benefits children’s development but also provides parents with more affordable options for childcare.
Support for Childcare Providers
To address the shortage of childcare providers and improve the quality of care, Illinois can offer incentives and support for individuals interested in becoming childcare providers. This may include grants or low-interest loans for opening new childcare facilities, training and professional development opportunities for caregivers, and increased reimbursement rates for providers who meet certain quality standards. By strengthening the childcare workforce and expanding the number of available providers, the state can enhance accessibility to quality care.
Criminal Justice
Criminal justice reform must target racial and socioeconomic disparities, especially affecting Black and Latino communities. We must also foster a culture of equitable treatment and pursue comprehensive rehabilitation programs that encompass education, job training, mental health, addiction treatment, and support services to improve community integration and reduce recidivism.
Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities
Criminal justice reform needs to address the racial and socioeconomic disparities that exist within the criminal justice system. Minority communities, particularly Black and Latino populations, are disproportionately impacted by arrests, harsh sentencing, and unequal access to legal representation.
Rehabilitation and Reentry
By providing access to education, job training, mental health and addiction treatment, and support services, we can better prepare individuals to reintegrate into their communities, reduce recidivism rates, and ultimately create safer and more productive societies.
Environment
Climate change is real and resources are finite. Growing up in the Illinois Valley, I have a deep appreciation of the land and what it gives to us, and I understand that it is our responsibility to keep it healthy through proper funding and legislation.
Sustainability and Resource Conservation
Advancing environmental innovation is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of our planet. By developing and adopting innovative technologies and practices, we can reduce resource consumption, minimize waste generation, and decrease our ecological footprint. This approach not only benefits the environment by preserving valuable natural resources but also helps secure a more sustainable future for generations to come. I propose continuing our investment in biotechnology.
Economic Growth and Job Creation
Environmental innovation is a catalyst for economic growth and job creation. Investing in green technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable practices can stimulate economic development in various sectors, from clean energy production to eco-friendly transportation. Moreover, as the demand for environmentally responsible products and services continues to rise, businesses that prioritize innovation in this area are likely to thrive, leading to more employment opportunities
Climate Change Mitigation and Resilience
Environmental innovation is a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. It enables us to develop and implement solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance climate resilience, and mitigate the impacts of global warming. By advancing technologies like carbon capture and storage, renewable energy sources, and sustainable agriculture practices, we can play a significant role in combatting climate change and protecting vulnerable ecosystems. Investing in environmental innovation is an investment in the health and stability of our planet.
LGBTQ+ Rights
People deserve respect and equity in their everyday lives — but even more so from those elected to represent them. I am a strong supporter of advancing LGBTQ Rights through legislation and funding.
Equality and Human Rights
LGBTQ rights are fundamentally about equality and human rights. Every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, deserves the same legal protections and opportunities as anyone else. Discrimination against LGBTQ individuals is a violation of their basic human rights. By advocating for LGBTQ rights, I affirm the principle that all people should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of who they are or whom they love.
Mental and Emotional Well-being
Ensuring LGBTQ rights is crucial for the mental and emotional well-being of LGBTQ individuals. Discrimination, stigma, and lack of legal protections can lead to higher rates of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, among LGBTQ individuals. By supporting LGBTQ rights, we contribute to a society where everyone can live openly and authentically, reducing the mental and emotional burdens that discrimination places on LGBTQ individuals
Social Progress and Inclusivity
Embracing LGBTQ rights is a sign of social progress and inclusivity. It reflects a society that values diversity and celebrates differences. When we support LGBTQ rights, we send a message that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is a valued member of our community. This inclusivity fosters social cohesion, acceptance, and understanding, leading to a more harmonious and tolerant society where individuals can thrive without fear of discrimination or prejudice.
Disability Rights
With an aim to expand the rights of people with disabilities, we should pursue inclusive education initiatives that strive for equal access to quality education for students with disabilities in mainstream classrooms. Additionally, we should work on expanding home and community-based services, supported employment programs, and respite care options to improve independent living, create opportunities for meaningful employment, and provide comprehensive support for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Inclusive Education Initiatives
Promoting disability rights through inclusive education programs is essential. Such initiatives aim to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to quality education in mainstream classrooms alongside their peers without disabilities. Inclusive education helps break down barriers, fosters empathy and understanding, and prepares students with disabilities for future success in various aspects of life.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
Expanding access to home and community-based services is a crucial solution for providing care options for individuals with disabilities. HCBS programs offer a range of supportive services, including personal care assistance, respite care, and therapy, allowing people with disabilities to live independently in their homes and participate in their communities. Expanding funding and eligibility for HCBS programs can help reduce the reliance on institutional care and provide more personalized and inclusive care options.
Supported Employment Programs
Supporting employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities is essential for their independence and financial stability. Supported employment programs offer job training, placement assistance, and ongoing support in integrated work settings. By expanding and enhancing these programs, we can help individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment and contribute to the workforce, promoting self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on disability benefits.
Respite and Family Support Services
Many individuals with disabilities rely on family caregivers for their daily needs. Providing respite care and family support services is crucial to assist caregivers and prevent burnout. Respite care programs offer temporary relief to family caregivers, allowing them to rest and recharge. Expanding access to these services can help families continue to care for their loved ones with disabilities while maintaining their own well-being and mental he
Mental Healthcare
To improve mental healthcare accessibility in our rural communities, we must adopt widespread teletherapy and virtual services, implement school-based programs for children and adolescents, and promote mental health apps and digital tools to leverage technology for broader outreach and support.
Teletherapy and Virtual Mental Health Services
To expand access to mental health care, consider the widespread adoption of teletherapy and virtual mental health services. These platforms provide a convenient and accessible way for individuals to connect with mental health professionals remotely, overcoming geographical barriers and reducing the stigma associated with in-person visits. Expanding teletherapy services can ensure that mental health support is readily available to those in rural or underserved areas, as well as individuals with limited mobility.
School-Based Mental Health Programs
Introduce innovative school-based mental health programs to reach children and adolescents more effectively. Collaborate with schools to embed mental health services within the educational environment. This approach can include on-site counselors, mental health education, and proactive mental health screenings. By addressing mental health needs early in a school setting, we can identify and provide support to students who may otherwise go unnoticed.
Mental Health Apps and Digital Tools
Leverage the power of technology by developing and promoting mental health apps and digital tools. These applications can offer self-help resources, mood tracking, mindfulness exercises, and even chatbots for immediate support. Investing in the development and promotion of evidence-based mental health apps can extend mental health care to a broader audience, especially to those who may not seek traditional therapy but are comfortable using smartphones and digital platforms.