What types of transportation do you use during an average week, and how has this shaped your view of transportation policy?

Over the past decade, I have relied on a variety of public transportation systems, each of which has shaped my understanding and appreciation of transit services. Even prior to that, I regularly used the Metra as a teenager. My years of commuting on the CTA for work further reinforced the value of public transportation in promoting sustainability, accessibility, and opportunity for diverse communities.

Today, I continue to take the Metra into Chicago for work. While it provides significant convenience, enhancements such as expanded stops, increased service speed, and additional bus connections to major transit hubs would create an even more seamless and efficient commuting experience.

What are some transportation challenges in your district?

To begin, the lack of public transit in our area forces residents to rely on personal vehicles or ride-share services, resulting in a car-dense community. As a consequence, families with no car or only one vehicle often face significant barriers when considering a move into the district. This limits their ability to access our exceptional educational systems and reduces opportunities for advancement.

Additionally, our proximity to the airport contributes to poor air quality due to the district’s multimodal transportation activity. Compounding this issue is the absence of safe, accessible bike paths that connect the district’s small towns, further restricting residents’ options for alternative, sustainable modes of travel. In my district and throughout the county, organizations such as The Conservation Foundation and the County Forest Preserve Board are making significant efforts to expand trail and pathway networks. However, their work often feels isolated, as if they are carrying the burden without sufficient statewide support.

With the passage of the new Illinois transit bill, the increase in tolls will affect road accessibility for working-class families who rely on personal vehicles. I believe that transportation—regardless of mode—should remain affordable, and that we have a responsibility to represent all segments of the community. At the same time, we must continue to prioritize the development of public transportation, bike paths, walkways, and other sustainable options for traveling from point A to point B.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (“IDOT”) plays a significant role in transportation throughout the state, in Chicago, and Cook County. What is your opinion on their role with the Chicago Department of Transportation, Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways, local communities, and the impact that has?

Working with IDOT is critically important because the agency receives significant federal and state funding. As stewards of public dollars, we have a responsibility to reflect the priorities of our communities while acknowledging that many existing systems — including those shaped by redlining, transit planning decisions like the CTA network, and other historical inequities — were intentionally built to disadvantage certain neighborhoods.

When we look at the Rebuild Illinois Capital Program and its role in funding the state’s multi-year capital plan, the message is clear: we must work toward building a more interconnected and equitable Illinois. The current projects being funding in and around my district primarily focusses on roads and not public transit which is important but not all encompassing.

How do you view the Illinois General Assembly’s role in setting IDOT’s priorities for public transit, passenger rail, and strengthening accessibility in transportation?

The General Assembly is responsible for listening, learning, and collaborating with leaders at IDOT, recognizing that IDOT is the expert in this space. We also serve as bridge builders—connecting community organizations doing on-the-ground work, community members, and fellow legislators whose districts will be directly affected by systems such as high-speed rail.

While the General Assembly controls the purse strings, we have a responsibility to ensure that funding flows in a way that empowers experts to do their jobs effectively. We must also recognize that supporting IDOT means supporting economic development, job creation, and increased ridership.

States like Colorado, Minnesota, Virginia have passed legislation that has shifted their transportation infrastructure spending towards projects that prioritize safety, transit and cycling, and greenhouse gas mitigation. What’s your position on Illinois’ current transportation infrastructure spending, and if you could change anything, what would it be?

I believe we are moving in the right direction, especially as the state takes on the majority of funding for rail improvements. We know that climate, transportation, housing, and access to green spaces, and jobs all play a critical role in determining community health. My vision for my community is one of true sustainability, affordability, attainability, and overall physical and mental well-being. These goals intersect with everything from air quality to the safety and reliability of our public transit systems.

Ensuring that these intersections are clearly recognized, evaluated, and fully developed would help weave together some of the most challenging and important policy issues facing both our state and our nation.

This fall, the Illinois General Assembly passed a historic investment in transit operations – as well as significant governance reforms in the establishment of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority. How do you view the Assembly’s role in ensuring both the short- and long-term success of this legislation?

The General Assembly's role is to be sure that this historic investment doesn't just live on paper, but is a living, breathing project. Cutting red tape is important to ensuring that projects big and small move forward. It is also our responsibility to educate our constituents especially when pushback arises in suburban districts as it has this legislative session. Providing that education is important not only because of narrative and community relationships, but also as a commitment to the wellbeing of the entire state and it's progess.

What is your position on investing to expand passenger rail service in Illinois, including the development of high-speed rail?

As the climate crisis becomes an increasingly urgent concern, it is essential to expand passenger rail services to provide alternatives to flying and driving. This includes advancing clean energy solutions for rail systems to reduce emissions, improve accessibility for all communities, and create a more seamless transit experience.

As ridership continues to grow across the state, sustained investment in expanding passenger rail must remain a priority. Doing so will help build a more balanced, sustainable, and resilient transportation system for Illinois.

Federal funding for Illinois transportation projects – such as the Red Line Extension and Red-Purple Modernization projects – has come under threat from the Trump administration. How can legislators shore up funding for critical infrastructure projects under a hostile federal climate?

With Duffy now leading the U.S. Department of Transportation, we may face tighter access to federal funding than in previous administrations. In this environment, it is essential for Illinois to stand firmly on its values—especially by strengthening trust and partnerships with local organizations and constituents. Our history shows that grassroots efforts grow into movements capable of pushing systems to correct themselves. This is particularly true for initiatives aimed at addressing longstanding discriminatory practices in housing and transit.

By making a deliberate effort to build stronger community relationships, we can foster the buy-in and public support needed to elevate these priorities and make the case for sustained or increased funding.