I voted NO on the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget. Illinois families are being asked to do more with less every day. They are paying more for groceries, utilities, housing, and property taxes. They expect their government to show the same discipline in budgeting that they are forced to practice at home.
Instead, Illinois Democrats passed the largest budget in Illinois history.
Here are the facts:
• $55.9 billion total spending, the largest budget Illinois has ever passed.
• Nearly $800 million in new taxes and fees.
• At least $220 million in pork projects and political earmarks.
• Approximately $410 million in General Revenue Fund spending on immigrant programs and services.
• No increase in the Local Government Distributive Fund, which remains frozen at 6.47%.
What’s NOT in there??
Meaningful taxpayer relief.
The decision to keep the Local Government Distributive Fund frozen is extremely disappointing. When Springfield keeps more revenue in the state budget, local governments are left with fewer resources and more difficult choices. That pressure often ends up falling on taxpayers through increased property taxes.
MILLIONS of Illinois residents were left without a voice or important representation in a process that directly affects their communities and their wallets. Illinois has already seen 57 tax and fee increases under Governor Pritzker, costing taxpayers more than $77 billion. Families cannot afford more of the same. Illinois residents need lower taxes, lower costs, and responsible spending. This budget moves our state in the opposite direction.
Have you had enough yet? I know I have.
HB4659 Passes on Concurrence
I’m proud to announce that HB4659 passed the House on concurrence.
For many survivors of domestic abuse, the financial damage can continue long after the relationship ends. Victims are often pressured, manipulated, or intimidated into taking on debt they never truly agreed to, only discovering the impact later when collections or lawsuits begin.
HB4659 creates an affirmative defense for coerced debt, giving survivors an opportunity to explain their circumstances in court and challenge debt tied to abuse and coercion.
This legislation is one step in recognizing the reality of financial abuse and helping survivors pursue a fair path forward as they rebuild their lives.
I also want to sincerely thank the advocates and survivors who helped shape this legislation, sharing their insight and stories throughout the process. Your voices helped bring attention to an issue that too often goes unseen, and your partnership made this bill what it is.
SB3016 Passes the House
There was a moment this session that was incredibly special to me personally.
SB3016 officially passed the House. This bill was inspired by my journey as a mother raising a daughter with cerebral palsy and the experiences our family had navigating spaces that were not always built for every child to fully participate.
Together, we worked to move legislation forward that encourages more accessible and inclusive parks and recreation spaces across Illinois.
Read more:
2026 Spring Legislative Session Victories
As the State Representative for the 82nd District, I was proud sponsor multiple pieces of legislation based on what YOU have asked for when it comes to cost of living relief, public safety and community accountability. While we are still working on some of that I was proud to pass four pieces of legislation unanimously through both the House and Senate, focusing on public safety, support for victims, accessibility, and stronger communities.
-HB 5580 improves communication between law enforcement agencies and prosecutors when DNA evidence generates a match, helping ensure critical investigative information reaches the people who need it.
-HB 4654 requires human trafficking resource information to be posted in public restrooms at Illinois roadside rest areas, giving victims another opportunity to find help and support.
-HB 4659 provides important protections for survivors of domestic abuse, human trafficking, and exploitation who were forced into debt through coercion.
-SB 3016 encourages greater accessibility in parks, playgrounds, trails, and recreational spaces by prioritizing universal design through the OSLAD grant program.
I remain focused on advancing practical, bipartisan solutions that improve the lives of the people I represent. It has been an honor to carry these measures through the legislative process, and I look forward to continuing that work for the residents of the 82nd District.
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