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Map amendment needed to fix Illinois politics

I was born and raised and have lived all of my life in the state of Illinois. My children were also born and raised and live here, as well.

For decades I've witnessed the steady decline in our state and fast-forward to today, where we teeter on the verge of collapse. It is no secret that Illinois is fraught with very serious problems; our government is broken, and we are in deep financial trouble.

People and businesses are leaving our state in numbers not seen in decades due to weak job growth, the burden of the state pension crisis, high taxes and the worst credit rating in the nation. We continue to be plagued by substantial political corruption.

Career politicians manipulate elections by being allowed to draw legislative maps that continue to benefit them, leaving Illinoisans to be forced to bend to the politicians' will.

It's time our state elections echo the will of the people instead. The Independent Maps Amendment is being painted as a political ploy that will hurt minorities and middle-class families throughout the state; I completely disagree.

I feel it's time that we allow an independent committee to reform the rules and require a process of drawing maps that is transparent, unbiased and fair so that Illinoisans have an opportunity to pick our representatives, not the other way around, the way it is today.

I want to see Illinois get back on its feet and become financially healthy and fiscally strong once again. I want to see an honest and open government that works FOR the people. That's why I am supporting the Independent Maps Amendment.

Deborah Larsen

Palatine

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