Education

Once in congress I will fight for scholarships for all students who wish to attend private or charter schools, an option once only afforded those who could pay for education twice. School choice is good for the children, it's good for the education system and good for all of society as more and more children will see their potential fulfilled. I will fight so that school choice will one day be the birthright of all Americans, not just the privileged few.

Economy

In Congress I will fight to help small businesses by simplifying the tax code. I will fight to secure the borders and hold businesses accountable for hiring illegal immigrants just to save a few bucks. I will fight to make tax cuts permanent. Keeping money in the hands of tax payers leads to a stronger economy and greater economic growth which turns into job growth.

I support the Mortgage Debt Relief Act, which has protected people from losing their homes to foreclosure. I support humane and sound economic policy, and I will implement these values through legislation and policy that support job growth and economic expansion that will benefit this district.

Helping the Community

Over 30,000 inmates will be released from prison in Illinois this year. Over half of them will return home to Chicago. Over half of them will re-offend. This means more crime for our neighborhoods, more drugs on our streets, more violence, more lost lives, and I will not stand idly by as this happens. When I worked in corrections, I worked through Adult Transition Centers, and I have seen the positive effects these have for individuals and the community. Those who know someone who has been through the justice system as a prisoner understand the need to help those members of our community gain the resources needed to live outside a jail. Community charities and local churches have done the most to help those who cannot help themselves or have fallen on challenging times. Government programs often hinder the work of community groups, which I why I will work to give our community resources to succeed, not resources to fail. I will work to increase Congressional support for these measures and help churches and charities in our district.

Health Care

Our health care system is broken, and we must reform the system nationwide. In congress I will fight for incentives for small businesses to provide health care to their employees. I will fight for tax free health savings accounts and I will fight to eliminate the regulations that prevent you from purchasing a cheaper health plan from another state. I will fight to make sure you have choice in health care, and I don't consider not being able to afford insurance as a viable option.

Global War on Freedom

Since our founding days, the United States has worked to ensure the spread of democracy and freedom.  While I support this goal, I cannot ignore the folly of President Bush's management of the war.  Should I be elected, I will encourage any presidential administration to support our efforts to spread freedom throughout the world, while ensuring that future conflicts are well planned, executed properly, and our troops returned safely as soon as possible.