Name: Karina Villa

Position for which you are a candidate: Illinois Senate District 25

 

Why are you seeking this position?

I am seeking re-election to the state senate because I believe there is more work to be done. We have accomplished so much in the last few years alone with passing several balanced budgets, reducing our $17 billion bill backlog from Governor Rauner’s budget impasse all while increasing our funding towards education, making crucial investments in our infrastructure, and passing much needed ethics reform to address corruption that plagues our state. I was particularly proud of our efforts to address corruption by passing common sense laws that include stopping those who serve in office from lobbying local governments, or their colleagues once they leave the state assembly, and removing the influence of dark money in Illinois politics. However, our work is far from done. We need to address gun violence in our communities by implementing smarter policies to keep guns out of the hands of those who should not have them, continue to build upon the efforts in the recent budget to address lapses in mental health care access, and continue to find ways to ensure we are properly investing in the education based funding formula so our kids receive the best education possible. Additionally, we need to ensure that a woman’s reproductive rights are always protected here in Illinois. I look forward to the opportunity to serve my community again and to continue to build up on our successes.

What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?

I served as State Representative in 2018 and was elected to the Illinois State Senate in 2020. Prior to serving in the Illinois General Assembly, I served as a school social worker in the West Chicago and Villa Park School Systems for 15 years. I also served as Vice President of the District 33 school board as well. I believe my experience has served me well in my current role as State Senator and I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve my home and community in Springfield

What will be your highest priorities if elected?

I ran for office because I wanted to serve my community. There is much work left to be done, although, I believe we have accomplished much when it comes to education, healthcare access, common sense gun safety measures, investing in our infrastructure and so much more. My highest priorities are continuing to advocate for common sense gun safety measures to keep our communities safe, expand access to mental healthcare, ensure a woman’s right to choose is always protected in Illinois, addresses the high costs that are squeezing working families, and increase resources towards the education based funding formula to ensure our children receive the best education possible.

 

 

 

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