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

In any given week, I use a car (in particular around the district), CTA blue line, Metra (Milwaukee District North line) and walking. In the summer, I bike in the district and on the greater far Northwest side. My own modes of transit have shaped by view that we need multiple options of transit. I do everything I can to avoid taking my car downtown, to I an allude traffic and parking issues, in addition to multi tasking while in transit. Spending consistent time on public transit reminds me that it needs to be on time, clean and accessible to people with physical disabilities. All too often, it's none of these things.

What are some transportation challenges in your district?

Automobile congestion in certain intersections at certain times of day; safety for bicycles, pedestrians, quality of ride issues for public transportation customers, including people experiencing homelessness living at transit centers (do to inadequate homeless services and a lack of affordable housing). Finally, accessibility for people with disabilities is also an issue.

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?

I am of the opinion that IDOT has been far too focused on roads and vehicle transportation when "transportation" should be inclusive and multi modal. I'm hopeful that under the new leadership of Gia Biagi, IDOT will come to reflect the true expansiveness of its name.

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 Illinois General Assembly's role is critical to 1) act as a voice for the people (e.g., meeting with constituent groups, advocates, policy/planning professional), 2) provide funding for multiple modes of transportation via IDOT/state budget, and 3)play an oversight role.

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

Although I have been less involved in this nitty gritty policy making as I'm not currently on a transportation committee or any related appropriations committee, it is clear that IDOT has been way to focused on roads for vehicles vs any other form of transit. I think IDOT is missing a big opportunity to think about transportation more comprehensively and work with CDOT and local communities and advocacy groups to expand safe and quality transit options (including pedestrian and bike options and safety). The impact of this lack of comprehensive thinking so far has resulted in car centric infrastructure.

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 Illinois General Assembly's role is critical to 1) act as a voice for the people (e.g., meeting with constituent groups, advocates, policy/planning professional), 2) provide funding for multiple modes of transportation via IDOT/state budget, and 3)play an oversight role.

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?

Global warming is an existential threat and policies that address this are a priority. I support improvements in all categories mentioned for reasons of both environment, economic development and full access to transportation for people with disabilities.

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?

As a legislator (who came from social work and worked previously worked at a state agency), I have long thought that all too often legislators ignore implementation. Legislators must play a role in being a part of and monitoring implementation. For my part, I will be involved in and following the homeless outreach part of the transit bill since I do a lot of this policy, budget, community and constitution service work. I worked with Thresholds and colleagues to get this component into the bill, however there was an error in the final timeline (it should be 6 months and 6 months, not 12 months and 12 months) so we will address this in a transit trailer bill.

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

I am enthusiastically in favor of it for all regions in our state.

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?

We are overdue to transform our tax structure in Illinois away from regressivity and towards progressivity. I am organizing with a bicameral group of colleagues, both inside and outside of the House and Senate Progress Caucuses to do just that. It's always been important, but it's a key way we will get through the next three years.