Issues

Education Funding

Quality education is critical for the future of our children and Illinois. To ensure that all children receive the education they deserve, we must develop equity at all levels. By committing to responsible budgeting and innovative funding reform, we can improve every classroom, including those created for exceptional learners. Separating school funding from property taxes follows a reliable model used successfully by many states. Through these reforms, we can ensure fundamentals will be preserved while providing stimulating arts and humanities programs as well as greater extracurricular opportunities. Until Illinois achieves education funding equity for all students, we will continue to leave too many children behind.

Health Care Coverage

Health care costs are skyrocketing and the numbers of uninsured and underinsured residents continue to grow in Illinois. Out-of-control medical costs are the single biggest problem facing families and small businesses. We must address the multiple aspects of the healthcare crisis in our state: soaring prescription drug costs, delays and denials of coverage, and lack of access to preventive care. Striving to reduce the burdens on the uninsured or underinsured and small businesses will make our community stronger. If solutions that include quality care and affordable coverage for all Illinois residents are not forthcoming from state and federal sources, we must look to local strategies to meet our healthcare needs.

Reliable Transportation

Today, more people commute into DuPage County from surrounding counties than commute into Chicago. Our continued economic vitality and high quality of life depends on our ability to ensure that our residents and businesses have access to fast, safe, and efficient transportation, including convenient public transit options. Residents need to access jobs, schools, medical facilities, and local amenities more readily; business owners need to be able to ensure that goods and services are provided in a timely manner. A reliable transportation network enhances economic development, improves mobility, and keeps our neighborhoods and communities connected.