Homeowners in our district are being squeezed by some of the highest property taxes in the nation — while schools and local services still struggle. The system is broken because the state hasn’t kept its promises to fund education and infrastructure. It’s time for fairness and transparency, so families can stay in the neighborhoods they love.

Priorities:

• Shift the burden away from homeowners by increasing the state’s share of school funding.

• Cap runaway assessments that price seniors and middle-class families out of their homes.

• Audit local taxing bodies to eliminate waste, duplication, and outdated levies.

• Reward local governments that collaborate or consolidate services to save taxpayers money.

Creative Ideas:

• 💡 “Tax Transparency Dashboard”: An easy-to-read online portal showing how every local dollar is spent — so taxpayers can actually see where their money goes.

• 🏘 “Stay Home” Program: Property tax relief credits for long-term residents who’ve lived in their homes 20+ years.

• 🗳 “Budget Town Nights”: Annual open forums where residents can weigh in on local tax priorities before budgets are finalized.

Every child in Illinois deserves a quality education no matter their ZIP code. Our public schools should be places where kids feel supported, teachers feel respected, and parents feel empowered — not overtaxed. We can make smarter investments, cut bureaucracy, and keep dollars where they belong: in the classroom.

Priorities:

• Fully fund public schools so teachers can focus on teaching, not buying supplies out of pocket.

• Reform property-tax dependence by pursuing a fairer statewide funding formula that reduces the burden on working families.

• Expand career and technical programs in high schools and community colleges to prepare students for good-paying local jobs.

• Support mental health resources for students and staff, not just test prep and paperwork.

Creative Ideas:

• 🚌 "Career Bus" Program: Partner with local trade unions, businesses, and colleges to send mobile career labs to schools — students can explore real-world jobs hands-on.

• 🎓 “Teach Local” Initiative: Offer incentives for local graduates to become educators and serve their hometown districts.

• 📱 Parent Partnership App: Create a state-supported platform that connects parents, teachers, and local school boards to increase transparency and community input.