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 she couldn’t be an attorney; yet she got a law degree anyway and is one of the best attorneys I know. My daughter graduated last year from UW-Madison and is off to build her own life. I want her to have a fair playing field as she pursues her goals, which is why I plan to keep supporting laws and policies that empower women across the state line. Four areas that are most important to me: implementing affordable child care, paid family leave, codifying equal pay for equal work, and protecting women's reproductive health rights.
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 demonstrates my longstanding commitment to empowering women and advancing policies that support their opportunities, health, and well-being.