See Where Joe Stands on Issues that Matter to YOU:
There needs to be balance in state government.
We have seen what happens when there is no balance and one party rule in Springfield. From poor fiscal management to bad policies, the Springfield majority has continued to make other states more attractive for both residents and job creators. Reforms like Fair Maps, term limits, open governance are essential to fix problems in Illinois.
Parents need to be involved in their children’s education.
We want government at all levels to focus on the basics: reading, writing, math, and science and leave social agendas out of the classroom. Too often we see federal and state legislators creating mandates on schools when instead parents in local districts should be partners in their children’s education. I support a permanent and fully funded Invest in Kids program that would allow scholarships for families in need to be able to choose what educational environment is best for their children.
We need to lower the cost of living.
As a state with one of the highest property taxes and overall tax burden in the country, we need legislators who are willing to address the difficult decisions that need to be made. The current majority believes Illinois needs a higher income tax increase. Illinois residents are saying “no more,” and unfortunately we see that as they move to other states.
I believe in term limits.
Any form of term limits in the Constitution would be appropriate. We should have term limits for our Governors, legislators, and for legislative leadership positions, so the people of Illinois are in charge of their government.
I support fair maps.
Term limits and Fair maps would create a more balanced approach to governance. With Fair maps, legislators don’t pick their districts, but rather the voters decide. The goal is to have as many balanced districts that are not gerrymandered for political advantage.