These responses were submitted by Democrat Jen McMillin, who faces Republican Dan Caulkins. The questionnaire was prepared by GLT in partnership with the League of Women Voters of McLean County. See more candidate responses.
Do you support moving Illinois to a progressive/graduated income tax? Why or why not?
Yes, I support a fair tax model. With so many burdens on our working families, we need to stop the regressive flat tax model and ensure that everyone is contributing their fair share to our state's common goods.
Do you think there should be term limits for lawmakers, legislative leaders, or statewide officers?
Elections are term limits. As a first time candidate that sees the dysfunction of state and federal government, my hope is that voters will see that our elections are term limits. However, in the instances of leadership, which is not determined by the people, I believe leadership term limits should be in place as to diffuse power and experience throughout the chambers of government.
What changes would you support to stabilize Illinois’ pension systems?
The Illinois General Assembly must focus on front-loading payments to our pension systems to reduce the amortization rates. From there, we need to discuss changes to future pension plans that the cost of living increases are more closely tied to the rate of inflation.
Illinois’ higher education system is bleeding students to other states. How would you make Illinois’ public universities and colleges more competitive and financially stable?
To make Illinois' higher education system more competitive and financially stable, we must make education at every level a priority of our state. This means investing in education, including higher education. For too many years, our universities, colleges, and vocational programs have been underfunded, driving up costs for students and leading to deteriorating programs and buildings. From there, every higher education institution needs to evaluate career options and learning models to provide the best outcomes for our graduates.
Do you support legalizing recreational adult use of marijuana? Why or why not?
Yes, I am supportive of legalizing the recreational adult use of marijuana, both as a new revenue stream as well as a way of reducing costs for incarceration of low-level drug offenses.
Illinois has many infrastructure needs. Do you support another comprehensive capital bill at this time? If so, how would you pay for it?
I am supportive of a comprehensive capital bill within the next 3 years. First, Illinois needs to stabilize its spending and identify new revenue sources to create a surplus to pay down debts. From there, we need a bi-partisan task force to identify new funding sources for a capital bill.
Do you think Illinois’ business climate is adequately “friendly”? Do you think the state needs to make any changes to encourage businesses to move or expand in Illinois?
At this time, I do not feel that Illinois is adequately friendly. Our track record of budget problems and instability doesn't allow businesses to make long-term plans. Illinois must stabilize its budget and spending if we want businesses to move to or expand here. We are going to have to make some tough decisions on what programs if any, we decide to cut to ensure that stability. From there, we need to place an emphasis on growing entrepreneurship opportunities, investing in education at every level, and revitalizing our infrastructure for the 21st century.
