Becky Anderson Wilkins: Candidate Profile

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: NapervilleWebsite: www.beckyforillinois.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/BeckyforILFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeckyforIllinois/Office sought: 6th District U.S. Representative Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Husband of 35 years and three adult children.Occupation: Co-Owner, Anderson's BookshopsEducation: Graduate of North Central CollegeCivic involvement: Serving our community is a core value of Anderson's Bookshops. Each year, Anderson's Bookfair Company helps schools and not-for-profits raise close to a million dollars. I founded IndieBound Naperville to celebrate locally owned independent businesses that give back, keep dollars in our community, and embrace diversity. I also Founded Andrea's Angels in 1998 to collect and redistribute new and used books to disadvantaged children who need the gift of books and reading. To date over 1 million books have been redistributed. In 2015, I won a highly competitive race for a four-year term on the Naperville City Council.Elected offices held: Naperville City CouncilQuestions Answers What do you think is the government's responsibility in assuring that citizens have health care? To what extent does the Affordable Care Act address this responsibility? What, if any, changes are needed in the act.I believe that affordable, accessible, and high-quality health care is a right and that the government has a responsibility in assuring that right for its citizens. This is an issue that affects each and every one of us personally. In 2014, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was fortunate to have access to the health professionals and treatment options I needed, and because of that I remain in remission today. We have to expand the state exchanges by allowing individuals to buy into Medicare. I believe that health care dollars should be spent on providing care, not going to insurance company CEOs and shareholders. Allowing families to choose a Medicare plan would provide an opportunity to cut out insurance companies and use the existing and expanded network of Medicare providers and hospitals. We also need to get a handle on the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs. Growing up, I worked the register at our family drug store and I saw the pain on peoples' faces when they saw their out of pocket expenses and as they considered altering their dosage because they could not afford what their doctor prescribed. Prices have only gone up since then. One reason is the incredible influence the pharmaceutical industry has in Washington Ãcirc;#144; they employ two lobbyists for every member of congress. This is just one example of why I have committed not to take a single penny from lobbyists or special interests.What immigration policies do you support? Where, if at all, do you see room for compromise to produce an effective policy on immigration? What, if any, responsibility does the government have toward immigrants referred to as Dreamers who were brought to the United States illegally as children and are now adults? How will these policies affect your district?A comprehensive and bipartisan immigration reform package is long overdue. A commonsense immigration reform plan must include improvements to our border security, a path to citizenship, and protections for Dreamers. The package cannot include a wall, mass deportation, or any other proposition that is meant more for scoring political points than tackling this issue. I strongly support passage of a clean DREAM Act to protect hundreds of thousands of Dreamers in the United States. I'm proud to say that I have employed a Dreamer in one of my stores. I've personally seen her work ethic, her compassion, and her genuine connection with our customers Ãcirc;#144; she is as American as my own kids. These young individuals want nothing more than the right to work, pay taxes, live with their families and be part of the only country they've ever really known.What military or diplomatic roles should the United States play to promote peace and stability in the Mideast? Under what circumstances should we have military forces actively operating?The primary objective of the United States' involvement in the Middle East is to protect our citizens. To do so, we must continue to diplomatically support our allies in the region, work in cooperation with our allies to destroy ISIS and other terrorist networks, and work to prevent nuclear proliferation in the region. Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon, for our own security and the safety of Israel -- a critical friend and strategic partner. In order to meet this goal, we must advocate for full implementation and continued enforcement of the Iran Deal, which includes an aggressive inspection regime. When it comes to our military activity in the region, I would demand that President Trump or any future President seek Congressional approval. Authorization for use of military force from Congress is essential to ensure that our national security, our resources and our values are being protected. It is additionally Congress's role to demand that any Administration outline a clear plan or policies to ongoing military operations.What should the United States be doing to reduce the threat of potential nuclear conflict from North Korea?I do not believe that all diplomatic channels have been exhausted in regard to the nuclear threat posed by North Korea. The United States should engage more aggressively at all diplomatic levels including working with China to apply pressure to the Kim regime. I would be very concerned about preemptive military action by the United States as it would surely cost the lives of hundreds of thousands if not millions, including Americans stationed in the region. President Trump has not demonstrated a stable strategy for tackling the issue. Rather, his reckless tweets and statements only provoke the unstable situation on the Korean Peninsula.How would you describe the effectiveness of Congress today? If you think Congress needs to be more effective, what would you do to promote that?Congress has not been effective for quite some time, largely because of the undue influence that special interests and lobbyists have in Washington. Despite a majority of Americans supporting common sense gun safety regulations and after of year in which we suffered 2 of the 5 deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history, Congress's hands are still tied by the NRA. It's clear that those in office right now are working for the special interests, not their constituents. I have personally committed to not take a single cent from special interests or lobbyists, and in Congress I will support measures to remove the corrupt influence that corporations and lobbyists have in Washington.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I am a strong proponent of a progressive tax system in which everyone pays their fair share. The tax bill that Peter Roskam designed last year was a handout to corporations and the ultra-rich at the expense of the middle class and those working hard to get there. When private jet owners get tax breaks and over half a million Illinoisans lose their health insurance coverage, it's pretty clear who Peter Roskam is working for. This plan accelerates income inequality, adds over a trillion dollars to the deficit, and does absolutely nothing for families like the ones that walk into my store every day. Most Americans agree that corporations and the wealthy should pay their fair share. A hedge fund manager should not pay a lower tax rate than a local police officer or teacher. What we should have done in terms of tax reform was close the loopholes that benefit only a handful of the richest Americans. History has shown us time and again that trickle-down economics does not work. A strong middle class with more buying power of their own strengthens the ladder of economic opportunity and elevates the economy as a whole.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I have great respect for Angela Merkel, a strong, female leader of one of the world's great democracies who is tackling major global issues head-on.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Nothing is more important than participating in your community. It comes back to you, your family, and for a store owner like me, your business.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Growing up, I was very shy. If I had a do-over, I'd come out of my shell sooner.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?My favorite subject was history. My current worldview is entirely shaped by my understanding of history. As an avid reader and bookseller, I'm constantly learning.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be you. Be real. Be authentic.