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.
Theresa Mah: The blueprint to tackle corruption begins with being accessible to the people I represent. My staff and I work hard to ensure that my office is easily accessible and has resources available to help the community. In addition to being accessible, I have worked with my colleagues in Springfield to pass legislation that institutes term limits on legislative leaders, increases lobbyist disclosures, and expands the statement of economic interest that officials must file.
Theresa Mah: Our current financial issues stem from year after year of financial irresponsibility by previous governors and General Assemblies. These issues cannot be solved overnight, but with my colleagues in the General Assembly and Governor Pritzker, we have taken steps to address the budgetary concerns. We have taken $17 billion of debt under the Rauner administration and have turned that into a budget surplus with a rainy day fund. We have also saved taxpayers more than $1 billion by going above and beyond our required pension payment. These steps that we have taken have earned the state of Illinois nine credit rating upgrades, which have culminated in earning an A rating from every ratings agency.
Theresa Mah: My district is home to many working-class families. That is why I passed funding to expand vocational training and worked to create new pathways to apprenticeships. I also strongly supported the Rebuild Illinois program to invest $45 billion in roads, bridges, railroads, universities, early childhood centers, and other facilities —creating and supporting 540,000 jobs across Illinois.
Theresa Mah: Both as a state legislator and a community organizer, I have spent time fighting to ensure voters on the Southwest Side receive the representation they deserve. I am open to hearing ideas about how the state can solve this problem, but we need the federal government to take action on this issue so that all states are redistricted in a manner that is representative of the people.
Theresa Mah: When I talk to people in my community, I often hear about concerns over healthcare accessibility, education, and having good jobs. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but I have helped pass legislation that addresses these issues. For example, with my colleagues in the General Assembly, we fully funded Smart Start Illinois, which expands access to preschools. We also made healthcare more accessible by limiting the cost of insulin to $35. People in my community also want to make sure Illinois will continue defending their reproductive freedoms. That is why I worked to expand access to emergency contraception and ensure abortions in Illinois remain safe, legal, and affordable.
Theresa Mah: I am the best candidate for this position because of my proven track record of fighting for people within the 24th District and across the state. I am constantly knocking on doors and talking with voters to learn their concerns and talk with them about my work in the General Assembly. As a member of the General Assembly, I have helped secure reproductive rights, expand early education programs, and make healthcare more accessible. I am also working towards safer communities by passing common sense gun laws, including legislation that keeps guns out of the hands of domestic abusers.
