Carina’s Key Issues
An Economy That Works for All of Us
Working families across Illinois are struggling—and suburban communities like ours are no exception. Inflation, housing costs, childcare, student debt, and the basic cost of living are stretching people thin.
Illinois families are doing everything right—but still feel like they’re falling behind. I’ll fight for economic policies that actually make life more affordable—not harder.
Affordability
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Champion affordable and workforce housing across the Northwest Suburbs.
Cap homeowners’ insurance increases so families aren’t priced out of their homes.
Promote smart, inclusive development that strengthens existing neighborhoods and invests in infrastructure.
Address homelessness with housing-first solutions — not punishment.
Protect home rule and empower local innovation in planning, zoning, and community development.
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Expand Medicaid access and mental health coverage, especially for youth and marginalized communities.
Invest in community-based behavioral health and recovery programs.
Protect reproductive rights and ensure comprehensive care statewide.
Explore a public option on the Healthcare Exchange
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Make childcare and early education accessible and affordable for every family.
Increase state funding for public schools through the evidence-based model.
Protect public education from privatization, censorship, and politically motivated interference.
Encourage school districts to reduce over-testing as state funding grows, allowing students to learn—not just prepare for assessments.
Expand access to affordable higher education by increasing MAP grants, supporting community colleges, and reducing barriers so students can pursue degrees, certificates, and career pathways without lifelong debt.
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Streamline Chicagoland transit systems to improve service and reduce costs.
Prioritize rider safety and an integrated, equitable fare system.
Establish clear safety regulations for e-bikes and scooters.
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Raise the minimum wage and strengthen the paid leave protections
Support unions as partners in building economic equity and protecting workers’ rights.
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Negotiate a community-first agreement that ensures the Bears’ move benefits our local communities
Secure new revenue that offsets property taxes and supports local infrastructure.
Facilitate collaboration between the team and our surrounding communities to plan for long-term success
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Reform the tax system so it supports working families instead of burdening them.
Reduce reliance on property taxes for funding essential services.
Fix the pension system responsibly by addressing Tier 2 inequities and re-amortizing debt.
Safety
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Uphold the SAFE-T Act while ensuring resources for proper training and accountability in law enforcement.
Promote trauma-informed policing and crisis-response alternatives.
Support job and mentorship programs that steer youth toward opportunity, not incarceration.
Uphold responsible gun laws that protect both public safety and constitutional rights.
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Defend the rights of free speech, religion, the press and assembly.
Defend constitutionally protected civil and human rights.
Require that federal enforcement actions in our communities are conducted lawfully and humanely.
Hold all agencies accountable when they violate residents’ rights.
Compassion
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Invest in prevention-first programs like Healthy Families Illinois and home visiting.
Expand support for foster youth, families in crisis, and youth aging out of care.
Ensure inclusive wraparound care for kinship caregivers, LGBTQ+ youth, and trafficking survivors.
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Expand alternatives to incarceration for youth and non-violent offenses.
Oppose surveillance and criminalization that target marginalized communities.
Address homelessness through care and housing — not criminalization.
Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in every level of public service.
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Build trust between immigrant families and local government to ensure victims and witnesses feel safe reporting crimes, which makes every neighborhood safer.
Promote stability for children and families, reducing fear and uncertainty so households can thrive and fully participate in community life.
Strengthen community connections by ensuring all residents feel respected, seen, and empowered to contribute to the well-being of our district.
Uphold the values that define the 27th District — dignity, safety, opportunity, and strong communities where everyone can belong.
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Support a just transition to clean energy that creates good union jobs.
Protect our green spaces and natural resources — from the Salt Creek watershed to suburban parks.
Invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable transportation.
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Strengthen ethics rules and accountability in Springfield.
Build trust through transparency and collaboration between state and local government.
Ensure every policy reflects the needs of all Illinois communities — not just Chicago and Springfield.