Norma Hernandez: 2022 candidate for Illinoise House District 77

Bio

Party:

Office sought:

City: Melrose Park

Age: 31

Occupation: Urban Planner

Previous offices held: Triton College Board Trustee

Q&A

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

Illinois was a national leader in terms of its rapid and safe response to the COVID-19 pandemic. From securing tests and vaccines to raising awareness across communities, state and municipal leaders effectively collaborated to mitigate further spread, raise awareness, and support our communities. Illinois provided unemployment support, rental relief, and support for small businesses. However, given the disproportionate impact in Latino and Black communities our state has the responsibility and opportunity to address the long-standing disparities in health access - many of which were unveiled during the pandemic.

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?

In order to meaningfully and effectively implement long-lasting ethics reform, it is imperative to strengthen formal rules around conflicts of interest and accountability. Constituents expect and deserve transparency from their public servants, that includes disclosing any personal connections or background that would interfere with the ability to vote without a bias or take a decision. Disclosure is not enough, and it is necessary that when it is clear a decision would personally benefit the legislator or their personal connection, they completely recuse themselves from the process at hand. It is also necessary to have strong accountability measures in place, and if any public servant is found violating formal ethical rules and informal ethical guidelines, that they be held to the highest standard. As public servants, we take an oath to honor our communities and lead with integrity and transparency- that is why I've also committed to serve as a full-time legislator.

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

In order to address the state budget and particularly the unfunded pension system, it is critical we create new sources of revenue. It is time to explore viable options to reform income tax systems to ensure there is an equitable process in place. One immediate action is to learn from what other states have tried and successfully implemented to address similar pension-related issues. As we explore options, it is also important to engage with the workforce sector to better understand their challenges and ways to innovative and mutually meet community and financial needs. I support a system that protects earned benefits and ensures future pensions are also not compromised. Rather than re-shifting funds and making any drastic cuts that can impact our communities, it is critical we address the core of the financial issue at hand. We must create new streams of funding to ensure current and future pension needs and state obligations are met.

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.

In 2021, with the support of my community, I decided to run for Trustee of the Triton Community College, a Hispanic Serving Institution. It was a 3-way competitive race and my opponents were well-supported, politically and economically. Nevertheless, I was able to work with community organizations to run a grassroots, multi-generational, cross-ethnic campaign and I became the first Latina elected to serve on the Board of Trustees.

Recently, I also acted independently and demonstrated my leadership by taking on the Ivory Tower at a local university system. There was growing frustration around lack of representation. I led meetings and the overall movement with students and staff to fight for student rights and demands. In the process, I risked my academic career to challenge the university leadership. Ultimately, we were successful in securing diverse faculty and uplifting student needs.

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

In order to reverse the population decline in Illinois, we must strengthen the economic opportunities available to families and young professionals. We need to increase access to education, health care services, as well as invest in economic corridors and transportation options. The most updated Census shows Illinois' population increased and it is important to note that the Latino population has continued to grow. This is an opportunity for us to also capitalize on the Latino population gain and invest in this young, promising community - which has expanded across the collar counties. As a third-generation Latina that grew up in the Northwest suburbs, I'm encouraged to see how we can better serve the growing community, which is now the largest demographic group in the district.

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

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges affecting our globe, and we must do everything we can to reverse the impact on our environment and communities. First, it's important to restore any environmental regulations and protections at the federal and state level to ensure we have stronger oversight and protections. Second, we have to re-evaluate our current state standards on levels of pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, we must invest in the necessary infrastructure to mitigate the impact of climate change in our communities, like flooding - which we've seen largely affect the northwest suburbs. Lastly, it's also important for us to transition to green and sustainable options for housing, transportation, and buildings as well as investing in training for green sector jobs.

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?

It is our responsibility to ensure Illinois passes a graduated fair tax to make sure we can fully fund the resources our community desperately needs like affordable housing, quality education, accessible health care services, and violence prevention programs. I am optimistic that we can fix the tax system in Illinois in the near future. Although the recent attempt to pass it by referendum in 2020 was not successful, I believe that with greater education around the immediate and long-term benefits of the graduated income tax community members and voters would also support it. This initiative would help low-income and middle class families while ensuring those that can afford to pay their fair share do so.