Name: Karina Villa
Position for which you are a candidate:
Illinois Senate District 25
Why are you seeking this position?
After the 2016 election, I decided to make a difference by looking for solutions instead of complaining and managed to flip a Republican district seat through effective communication and my ability to connect with voters in my district. My strong record of service and convincing voters that I am an energetic proponent of education, social services, immigration rights, organized labor and women’s rights will allow me and my very capable team to be successful once again.
I’m a firm believer that conversation is critical to success. I am committed to listening to the voices of my constituents to ensure them effective representation. I pride myself on the ability to find commonality and understanding with those having different points of view and strive to build relationships upon that commonality. I sincerely believe that my record in the General Assembly over the last two years, shows that I am committed to improving the lives of my constituents. I believe that, as State Senator for the 25th District, I can make an even greater, more effective impact on an even larger community.
What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?
Before becoming State Rep (49th District) I was a school social worker and was VP of West Chicago District 33 Bd of Ed (2013 – 2018). My knowledge and leadership led to improvements in the schools, including full-day kindergarten and dual-language programming. I worked to maintain a balanced budget for the district, while negotiating equitable teacher contracts and providing increased services to students.
Throughout the 101st Gen Assembly, I was a passionate advocate for students and families furthering my strong record of service to the community. As an example, HB4233, a bill I filed, makes it easier for students to gain access to resources. HB4233 requires local school districts to inform parents or guardians of resources, benefits or special services available to students so they can get the help they need.
When COVID-19 hit, there were a lot of issues to deal with and I got to work. In the 49th there are 350 manufacturing plants. My office heard from concerned employees who felt their lives were being put in danger. I started working with those businesses to provide safe working conditions for their essential workers. We established a system of reporting allegations of unsafe conditions and helped to write comprehensive legislation to protect workers. I used social media to disseminate critical info, including where to access unemployment information, food bank assistance and mental health support. I also secured a COVID-19 testing site in West Chicago.
What will be your highest priorities if elected?
The greatest challenge will be keeping focus on the ongoing concerns of the citizens in my district while still dealing with the impact of COVID-19 on the health and economy of the entire state.
The primary issues in my house district when I first ran were property taxes, education funding and a balanced budget. From a baseline perspective, that hasn’t changed but the resulting economic reality has forced unanticipated priority adjustments. My work with the manufacturing facilities in my district regarding essential worker safety is an example of an unexpected adjustment. It is also imperative that we must work diligently to protect our students, teachers and staff as we reopen schools, and do what we can to support our small businesses. The 2020 census success will be critical in obtaining the federal funding we will need to support these efforts.
I work to protect the environment by promoting the use of renewable resources as well as whatever I can to reduce the effects of global climate change on the people in my district and the state. We need more work on mental health initiatives including reducing the stigma of seeking help for Opioid addictions, and dealing with stress related issues for both adults and children particularly related to COVID-19. I will continue to work to provide real property tax relief and on pension consolidation for police and fire. I am especially proud when I’ve been able to work on bi-partisan basis to pass legislation.
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