Jackie Williamson

Bio

Party: Democrat

Office Sought: Illinois House District 47

City: Wheaton

Age: 36

Occupation: Benefits specialist

Previous offices held: Outreach Officer for the Democratic Party of Milton Township

How should the state respond to the influx of migrants bussed here from Southern states?

As I’ve been knocking on doors, I hear a lot of different opinions and perspectives — including a range of thoughts on immigration issues. But not one single person believes busing people across the country like cargo for political gain is a solution.

People in our communities want to focus on what we can control. Illinois cannot change border policy or the international factors that are driving migration.

The federal government can and should act, but a bipartisan border bill was derailed by MAGA politicians who again wanted to create problems to score political points, rather than solve problems.

Meanwhile, what Illinois can control is whether our communities have the resources they need to deal with the governor of Texas’ reckless games. I want to work with our community leaders, compassionate service organizations, and law enforcement to ensure they have all the resources they need from the state, so none of these costs are passed on to homeowners already facing high property taxes.

Are you satisfied with the state’s existing ethics policies for senators and representatives? If so, what about the policies should reassure Illinoisans that elected leaders abide by high standards? If not, what changes need to be made?

My background in Human Resources has given me a keen understanding of ethics and how important it is that the people we trust to represent us, hold themselves to a higher standard. We’ve seen at the local level, state level, and federal level how some bad actors will always look to exploit loopholes in the system for their own benefit. We need to identify and close those loopholes before we read about them in the paper.

Ultimately, real meaningful change and building trust has to come from elected officials themselves. People want to feel like those representing them actually care. That starts with showing up to community meetings, being accessible to folks, and continually meeting and talking to community stakeholders. Every day in my current role and on the campaign, I am doing those things to ensure that the people I work for and with, know that I will always have their best interests in mind.

Would you support a requirement that election petitions include a line asking candidates for their campaign email address?

I would support this initiative. I believe that those seeking office should be accessible to voters.

How well do you think criminal justice reforms made in recent years are working? What, if any, changes need to be made?

First and foremost, any criminal justice legislation must include input from communities, law enforcement, and all other important stakeholders. We need to ensure our police have the tools they need right now to keep us safe, while also funding the resources that address the root causes of crime.

But too often politicians want to talk tough about crime during election years and then find a tired excuse to vote against funding for our police, for mental health, and for violence prevention when it’s time to put their money where their mouth is. Our safety isn’t a political game to me.

That’s why I’m going to support efforts to put more officers on our streets and keep our great officers on the job. That’s why I’m also going to prioritize education, mental health, and resources that build strong, safe communities.

We now have an assault weapons ban in Illinois. What if any changes should be made to the law? What more can be done to improve gun safety?

It seems like almost every day we hear another tragic story of someone affected by gun violence. This IS a preventable issue and there are still a number of ways we can improve gun safety in Illinois.

I strongly support the assault rifle weapons ban that Illinois recently passed and believe that to continue to stop the threat of gun violence in our state, we need to pass Karina’s Bill, which would protect victims of domestic violence from gun violence. We again must also address the root cause of what would lead people to violence. I know that if we invest in our communities, we will see a reduction in gun violence.

Illinois is the only state in the nation that mandates regular behind-the-wheel tests for senior drivers. Do you support any changes?

Ensuring our streets are safe for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians is paramount. I know that this is an issue that has come up frequently in the past legislative session. I would like to talk to all stakeholders in the conversation and ensure whatever we do does not put a burden on our seniors and also keeps everyone safe.

What personal qualifications do you bring that would make you an effective legislator?

My professional background is in human resources. In a nutshell, I listen to folks and work with them to find solutions every day. I hear directly from hardworking individuals about issues affecting their lives, such as limited access to health care, high food and gas prices, and insufficient paychecks.

Being a part of these conversations is what inspired me to run to represent our DuPage County communities. Listening to how my employees are struggling has brought me to want to bring my skills to the state legislature to listen to folks and find solutions that help the community.