Connie Cain: 2022 candidate for Illinois House 66th District

Bio

Party: Republican

Office sought: Illinois House 66th District

City: Gilberts

Age: 61

Occupation: Certified Public Accountant

Previous offices held: None

Q&A

Q: How well did the Illinois government respond to the COVID-19 crisis? What do you think should be done differently?

The state legislature should take the lead in legislating COVID restrictions. The governor should not have emergency powers extended past 30 days.

Q: What are the most important components that should be included in legislative ethics reform? What will you do to help them come to pass?

1) Empower the legislative inspector general to issue subpoenas for documents and witnesses and to publish their findings of wrongdoing without first seeking permission from the Legislative Ethics Commission. 2) At least a one-year buffer between the time a lawmaker leaves office and becomes a lobbyist. 3. Include the financial interests of filers' immediate family members on statements of economic interest.

Q: What should the state do to address the still-growing problems with its key pension programs?

The people who must pay for pensions should be allowed to vote on a constitutional amendment to fix the public pension system. The state legislature must put a meaningful proposal on the ballot for people to decide.

Q: Describe at least two circumstances in which you have shown or would show a willingness to act independently of the direction or demands of party leadership.

I would show a willingness to act independently of the party leadership in the case of an ethical conflict or if my constituents strongly disagreed with the party leadership.

Q: What should lawmakers be doing to stem out-migration from Illinois?

Illinois must be more competitive with its Midwestern neighbors. 1. Lower property tax rates 2. End bloated school spending in Illinois. Illinois spends too much on school administration. 3. Become a right to work state 4. Reduce worker comp costs.

Q: Do you believe climate change is caused by human activity? What steps should government be taking to address the issue?

Governments should take reasonable measures to limit the effects of carbon emissions. The cost of the measures taken should be weighed carefully with the benefits.

Q: The graduated income tax is designed with the intent to reduce taxes for 97 percent of Illinoisans. Do you believe that will happen? Why or why not? What assurances can you offer voters?

I will not be able to support a graduated income tax unless meaningful pension reform and ethics reform are enacted first. The taxpayers must be able to trust their legislators with the power to progressively tax the people. At the present time, the voters are distrustful of state legislators.