In January 2024, Chicago Sun-Times/WBEZ editors emailed a questionnaire to candidates in contested March 19 primary races for the Illinois General Assembly, requesting biographical information as well as their views on issues ranging from corruption in state politics to Illinois’ longstanding pension crisis. Answers have been lightly edited for typos, minor grammar and consistency in styling, but not for content or length. Age was calculated as of Feb. 6, 2024.
Sonia Anne Khalil: I fully support ethics reforms that ensure elected officials are held accountable to the highest standards. Public servants should be focused on the interests of their constituents, not personal gain. I will support legislation allowing the Inspector General to have the powers needed to investigate lawmakers. With proper guardrails in place, this is one way to clean up Illinois’ reputation. We also should stop the revolving door practices in which elected officials, once they leave office, serve as lobbyists for special interest groups they were previously tasked with regulating.
Sonia Anne Khalil: First and foremost, we cannot punt the pension problem for future generations, as previous governors and lawmakers have done. Being fiscally responsible means paying at least the statutorily required pension payment every year. Surpluses in income and sales tax revenues should go in part toward pensions, and I would not support any more pension holidays.
Sonia Anne Khalil: I would look to restore technical and vocational education resources and fund infrastructure projects that our state desperately needs. My district has major commercial corridors, a major mall, several hospitals, community colleges, along with a diversity of industries. I will support efforts to leverage these incredible assets in the district to attract further investments that create good-paying jobs. In addition, I will work to raise funding levels for education and healthcare so that more teachers and healthcare workers can be trained, hired, and retained.
Sonia Anne Khalil: I believe that an independent citizens commission is best suited to draw Illinois districts fairly and competitively while following the requirements of federal and state voting rights laws.
Sonia Anne Khalil: Many in my district struggle with affordable and accessible healthcare. Many people, including seniors, are struggling with high prescription drug costs, insurance instability, and medical debt. I believe that nobody who gets sick should have to choose between paying for their treatment, a mortgage payment, or a utility bill. I will work to improve health outcomes in the state and work with insurance providers, nurses, and patients to get to the root causes of inequity in the system.
Sonia Anne Khalil: I am a lifelong resident of the district and I’m running to give back to the community that gave me so much. As a cancer survivor, I know from experience the need for affordable, quality healthcare and lower drug prices. I also understand the economic hardships of middle class families and will fight for property tax relief. I am the only candidate in this race who has always supported a woman’s right to choose. In addition, one of the foremost duties of a state representative is to be an ethical and responsible fiscal steward, and I believe I am better-suited to put the interests of our families first. I would be honored to earn the support of my neighbors in the 36th District.
