Democrat Michelle Mussman of Schaumburg emphasizes direct service to her district, no doubt a big part of why she’s been re-elected several times since 2010.
But she sees the big picture too, and brings a thoughtful approach to issues such as ethics and fiscal reform. The state’s new budget oversight task force must go “line by line to find places to save,” she says, but there are long-term consequences to cutting for the sake of cutting. If, for example, the state were to severely cut spending for human services, she argues, there’s a real danger of creating more expensive problems down the road.
We appreciate, in addition, Mussman’s commitment to early education, and to services and housing for the disabled.
Mussman is endorsed over Republican Scott Kegarise, who as Schaumburg Township Highway Commissioner has done a commendable job of addressing local flooding problems and long-deferred road maintenance.

Illinois House 56th District map
Illustration by Caroline Hurley
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