Empowering Women
My Position
I grew up surrounded by strong and capable women who have had to work harder than I did to get ahead. My mom spent much of her life being told that “a woman couldn’t be an attorney”. And yet, she received her law degree and went on to become not only my role model, but one of the best lawyers out there too. My daughter graduated this past year from UW-Madison, and I am so infinitely proud of her as she begins to chart her own life and path. Like all dads, I want her to have a fair playing field as she pursues her goals and passions, which is why I plan to keep supporting legislation and policies that work to empower women across our district and state. Four areas that are most important to me:
Implementing Affordable Child Care,
Paid Family Leave
Codifying Equal Pay for Equal Work
Protecting Women's Reproductive Health Rights and Expanding Access
What I’ve Accomplished
I have supported legislation that recognizes and advances issues important to women, including Equal Pay Day(HR 92, HR 132, HR 170), Women Veterans Day (HJR 0064), and Menopause Awareness Week (SJR 25).
I have also sponsored legislation to expand access to medically necessary health care and resources for women in the 68th District and throughout Illinois. This includes expanding coverage for medically necessary breast reduction surgery (HB 4271), at-home urine-based pregnancy tests (HB 5643), and pregnancy, postpartum, and newborn care provided by perinatal doulas and licensed certified professional midwives (HB 5142).
Supporting working families is also a critical responsibility. I have proposed and sponsored legislation to expand paid family leave for firefighters and full-time employees (HB 3908, HB 4965), establish universal child care for children ages 0–6 regardless of family income (HB 0177), and provide child care options for the children of first responders (HB 5001, HB 5002).
Strong communities depend on strong families. I will continue working to expand access to health care, child care, and family-support resources that help women, working parents, and families thrive.
Future Plans
I will continue advocating for women and working to promote equal opportunity throughout Illinois. My legislative record shows my commitment to empowering women and advancing policies that support their opportunities, health, and well-being.