EDUCATION AND OUR CHILDREN

Fought for early childhood education.

Worked to restore funding cuts to schools throughout the community, including the Chaney-Monge school district.

Fought for education funding reform to reduce our property taxes while ensuring schools have the resources they need.

Worked with House Republican Leader Tom Cross to increase funding for after school programs.

Fought for restoring the MAP Grant program to ensure our young men and women can pursue their dream of receiving a college degree.

Protected our children from the dangers of internet sex predators. 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND JOBS

Helped pass a $31 billion jobs bill for roads, bridges, schools, mass transit, and community development, including a new interchange at I-55 and Weber Road and two new schools in Joliet. 

Sponsored legislation to ensure construction of a second Joliet Intermodal facility, which will result in 15,000 jobs.

Twice stopped the closure of Stateville Correctional Center – saving hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in economic activity.

Led the charge on passing enabling legislation to allow construction of the Illiana Expressway as a public-private partnership.

ETHICS

Voted to remove Rod Blagojevich.

Passed legislation that puts an end to pay-to-play in the Executive Branch.

Pushed severe, first in the nation criminal penalties for politicians convicted of corruption.

Passed landmark campaign contribution limits for the first time in state history.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Passed results-based budgeting to ensure agencies are using their funds wisely and are held accountable.

Supported re-letting of all state contracts to ensure Illinois is getting the lowest price for goods and services.

Supported 12 furlough days for all state legislators, and is voluntarily taking an extra 12 days to save our state money.

Boosted transparency and accountability by putting state contracting and purchasing records online.

VETERANS

Sponsored the Let Then Rest In Peace Act to keep hate-mongers away from grieving families at military funerals.

Fought for funding to save our state veterans' homes.

Passed legislation to extend the returning veterans' property tax exemption an additional year.

SENIORS 

Fought for funding to restore Meals on Wheels, prescription drug assistance, and the Community Care Program.

Passed legislation to increase income levels for the Senior Property Tax Freeze and Senior Property Tax Exemption.

Sponsored legislation to protect our seniors from home invaders.