Matt Hanson: 2024 candidate for Illinois House 83rd District

Bio

Party: Democrat

Office Sought: 83rd District — Illinois House of Representatives

City: Montgomery

Age: 50

Occupation: Engineer, BNSF Railway

Previous offices held: Kane County Board Commissioner, Kane County Forest Preserve Commissioner

What do you consider the three most pressing issues facing the state in the next four years, and how should they be addressed?

People know a student’s success shouldn’t depend on their zip code. I worked to fully fund Smart Start Illinois to expand access to preschool, strengthen local schools by passing fair school funding, make college more affordable and expanding vocational training for students seeking high-wage jobs.

People in my community want to know Illinois will continue to defend reproductive freedom and health privacy. That’s why I’ve worked to expand access to emergency contraception, to stop fake clinics from using deceptive practices to steer patients away from abortion and emergency contraception, and to pass strong protections for patients and providers.

Local families need relief from the rising cost of healthcare. I worked to protect access to healthcare for patients with pre-existing conditions, cap the cost of insulin at $35 a month, stop pharmaceutical companies from price-gouging on essential medicines, and crack down on big insurance and drug companies that raise rates for no reason.

Does Illinois need a constitutional amendment to reform its redistricting system? If not, why is what we have now acceptable? If so, what changes would you support?

The most impactful changes need to happen at the federal level, so all states are abiding by the same rules. In the past year, Louisiana and Alabama have been exposed in court for deliberately crafting districts to silence communities of color. The focus needs to be on reining in those abuses nationally, so each state has to create maps that allow communities to elect the candidate of their choosing.

While this question focuses on redistricting, the effort to empower voters is larger than any one measure. Redistricting needs to be part of a larger discussion on campaign financing, how to increase voter participation, and ensure no voices are disenfranchised or diminished.

How do you assess the health of the state's budget? What changes, if any, need to be made in fiscal policy?

While there is more work to be done on the state’s finances across the board, the financial decisions we are making today are returning Illinois to fiscal health. Eight credit rating upgrades and a return to A- level credit have made this clear.

Recent budgets passed have turned Bruce Rauner’s $17 billion debt into a surplus, began rebuilding our rainy day fund, and went above and beyond our required pension payment to save taxpayers more than $1 billion in upcoming years. Creditors have taken note, and these measures have earned three credit rating upgrades — the first in a generation.

While that doesn’t fit cleanly into the narrative crafted by some politicians and special interests who would prefer to play political games in a cynical attempt to return to power, working families tending to their own household finances get it. Just like families and businesses do, we in Springfield need to make budgets and stick to them. We need to pay our bills and we must prioritize spending.

Are you satisfied with the state's existing ethics policies for senators and representatives? If so, what about the policies should reassure Illinoisans that elected leaders abide by high standards? If not, what changes need to be made?

There are always loopholes and always people looking to exploit them, so instilling confidence in government requires continual vigilance. Just this past spring the 103rd General Assembly appointed a former federal judge with a dogged reputation to serve as the state’s Legislative Inspector General.

Being approachable and listening in the 83rd District builds trust, as does a commitment to shared priorities. Defending the right to choose, getting weapons of war off the streets, making healthcare more affordable when addressing the increasing cost of living, expanding vocational training opportunities, addressing mental health issues and improving our infrastructure are reassurances that I work for and with the people I represent.

Would you support a requirement that election petitions include a line asking candidates for their campaign email address?

Yes

How well do you think criminal justice reforms made in recent years are working? What, if any, changes need to be made?

Deliberation and thoughtfulness — including extensive negotiation with law enforcement — have refined and strengthened recent criminal justice reforms. The legislative process exists because no law is ever final; we need to continually consider proposals that make our law responsive and effective for our time. I look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders in pursuit of a smart-on-crime approach to keeping our communities safe and making our system fairer.

What personal qualifications do you bring that would make you an effective legislator?

As an incumbent, I have a proven track record of passing legislation that addresses crucial issues such as school funding, protecting women's rights, investing in mental health resources, while supporting local governments and infrastructure within a balanced budget. My experience and commitment to effective governance in difficult times make me well-equipped to continue serving the needs of the 83rd District and our State. I will continue to engage and listen to my neighbors, and work to retain and attract new resources that benefit the district and region.