My Priorities
Working with the people of Wheaton over the last 8 years has taught me that my family’s priorities are your family’s priorities!
We all share the same ideals of a safe community, high quality services, and an affordable cost of living.
I have connected with residents, visitors and businesses to address these concerns for the community of Wheaton and I plan to do the same for the larger community of the 47th district.
Cost of Living & Affordability
The soaring costs of groceries, gas, housing, and healthcare are a primary concern for Illinois residents. Affordability is a priority that Erica pledges to address in Springfield. She believes the State has an obligation to champion economic prosperity for all of its residents.
What does that look like?
- Families securing affordable child care, health care, and the ability to give their children a well-rounded upbringing;
- Our teens having access to summer jobs that teach them work ethic and put spending money in their pockets;
- Our young adults enrolling in college and accessing affordable technical programs without incurring massive debt;
- Early career individuals finding affordable rental options without the fear of never being able to purchase their own homes;
- Established adults looking forward to a healthy and happy retirement experience without the fear of running out of money;
- Small businesses thriving in a supportive environment that encourages ownership and growth; and
- All of us in Illinois making ends meet when buying groceries and paying our bills.
And while it’s up to each of us to do our best and help our families and neighbors, the state government plays an important role in the economic prosperity of its people.
Erica has the experience to address economic issues. During her tenure on the Wheaton City Council, the city consistently earned a AAA bond rating, operated with a balanced budget, and did not increase the property tax levy; all while providing the community with affordable services. In Springfield, Erica will fight for legislation that makes daily costs of living affordable and protects constituents against the current tide of poor policies implemented at the federal level.
“I support new state legislation that addresses the ‘missing middle’ in DuPage County and makes housing assistance accessible to more residents in our communities. (Daily Herald article). I also believe our state should strengthen and update the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption, the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze, and the Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral Program to allow retired individuals the ability to stay in their homes and continue to contribute to their communities. Finally, parents in Illinois need to be able to feed their families. Federal cuts to SNAP benefits are putting a strain on our most vulnerable residents, and I support the General Assembly’s work to address this issue”
Public Safety
First responders and law enforcement serve an essential role in keeping our communities safe. Erica believes in strong public safety policies that address crime prevention, serve to educate residents, address mental healthcare, and protect individuals from identity theft and other scams.
“During my 7 years on the Wheaton City Council, I have gained a deeper understanding of our police, fire and emergency care workers and with that comes an even greater commitment to ensure that those who serve and protect are well-trained and equipped. Wheaton has a strong neighborhood outreach program that encourages residents to personally get to know our firefighters and police officers. I also am a vocal advocate for our city’s social work team, and I am proud Wheaton is home to the recently opened DuPage County Crisis Recovery Center.”
Erica was named a Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate. She supports gun safety legislation passed in Illinois, including the Protect Illinois Communities Act that bans assault weapons. She believes more can be done and is committed to expanding legislation which protects citizens from gun violence. Governments can find a balance between passing common sense gun safety measures while also respecting the rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment.
Investments in Education
We can all agree that strong public schools give kids throughout our communities an opportunity to thrive and be successful, contributing residents. As a 33-year veteran public school teacher, Erica firmly believes that communities flourish with strong public schools and affordable higher education. Future generations depend on the knowledge and opportunities provided by local schools. Erica will support legislation that invests in public schools, expands affordable post-secondary education, and creates career opportunities. She believes that young people should have financial and educational access to a wide range of pathways, including colleges, universities, and trade schools. Investing in a multitude of opportunities for the younger generation is critical to strengthening our community, the Illinois economy, and ensuring a prosperous financial path for future generations.
“For a tenth year in a row the state budget has committed to fully fund the Evidenced-Based Funding program for public schools with the additional goal of providing property tax relief. I’m encouraged that the state is meeting its financial commitment to public schools. However, there is room for improvement concerning property tax relief for families, and that will be a major area of focus for me in Springfield. I am strongly committed to fighting voucher programs at both the state and federal level that take money and resources away from our public schools, while providing little to no oversight. Strong public schools are the great opportunity maker!”
Social Justice
From a young age, Erica has had a thoughtful understanding of social justice and equality. She will support legislation and inclusive policies that advance and protect rights for women, members of the LGBTQAI+ community, and individuals with disabilities. Illinois should work towards dismantling policies that contribute to systemic racism and discrimination for groups and individuals who have been historically oppressed. Protecting the rights of immigrants is also a critical focus right now in our current political climate. Immigrants are valuable contributors to our state and an essential part of the American story. Erica actively advocates a “love your neighbor” philosophy in her work both as a teacher and an elected official. She has consistently uplifted, recognized, and honored people of all backgrounds and beliefs and pledges to uphold the Illinois Human Rights Act, which protects individuals in our state from discrimination and harassment. Closer to the 47th District, Erica has been an active supporter of the annual Wheaton Pride Proclamation.
“I have always believed that our diversity makes us stronger. As a social studies teacher, I know that we can honor great American achievements and also learn from the mistakes our nation has made throughout our 250 years. ‘Liberty and justice for all’ isn’t simply something we say everyday in the classroom; it’s a principle we each must work towards for our families and our neighbors.”
Collaborative Government
Throughout her career as a civics teacher, Wheaton City Council member, union leader, and community volunteer, Erica has focused on developing positive and collaborative relationships with all stakeholders in her community. She believes that governments can solve complex problems through thoughtful and inclusive dialogue where all perspectives are valued. Additionally, ethical and transparent governance is the highest priority.
As a councilwoman, Erica has a proven record of working with elected officials at the local, county, state, and federal level. Partnerships between state and local governments will be even more important as the current federal government continues to cut funding and services for education, health care, and essential social programs that support and protect our most vulnerable populations.
“As a twice elected member of the Wheaton City Council, I pride myself on engaging with my constituents and responding to their concerns and needs. I think it’s important to understand what ‘Active Representation’ looks like. It is walking through local residents’ back yards to see their flooding issues firsthand. It is walking in a neighborhood with residents to assess their concerns about auto, pedestrian, and bicycle safety and sidewalk use. It is connecting residents with appropriate resources. It is working alongside fellow council members to thoughtfully develop real solutions to increase affordable housing options in Wheaton. While the problems we face are often complex, the solutions we build together serve to improve the quality of life for all residents.”
As your State Representative, Erica will welcome all constituent perspectives and continue to invest in the important relationships she has built with elected officials. Diversity of thought should be embraced and all members of a community should feel heard. She is committed to creating opportunities to collaborate so that we can arrive at mutually beneficial solutions for the 47th district.
Environmental Sustainability
As a mother and educator Erica recognizes the importance of a healthy planet for future generations. Policies and legislation that protect the environment are not only essential to address climate change, but are also the economically beneficial long-term path. Increasing incentives for clean energy ultimately gives individuals and businesses diverse energy choices. A reliance solely on gas and oil makes us vulnerable to global markets, as evidenced with the war in the Middle East.
Erica is proud that Illinois continues to invest in energy solutions that both create jobs and protect the environment including tax credits for sustainable practices such as EVs and solar panels. While Illinois is a leader in addressing climate change, at the federal level the Trump Administration is implementing disastrous environmental and energy policies that have weakened the EPA and diluted the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act’s incentives and investments in clean energy, including the promise of good-paying jobs. As a result of these policies, energy prices have soared by as much as 13%. What we do nationally and globally impacts each of us, and Erica believes that successfully addressing climate change involves mutual understanding and aligned action from all levels of government at home and around the world.
“The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) passed in 2021 was landmark legislation for our state. I commit to continuing these state investments in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and a strong clean-energy workforce. I am an active supporter with a long record of involvement in eco-friendly organizations such as SCARCE and the Wheaton Environmental Improvement Commission. I am also proud to be endorsed by the Illinois Sierra Club.”