Mary Beth Canty: 2024 candidate for Illinois House District

Bio

Party: Democrat

Office Sought: Illinois House District 54

City: Arlington Heights

Age: 43

Occupation: Attorney

Previous offices held: State Representative (2023-Present); Arlington Heights Village Trustee (2019-2023); Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors (2020-22)

How should the state respond to the influx of migrants bussed here from Southern states?

While executive orders have led to fewer border crossings, ultimately Congress and the President need to control the situation. In that same vein, they need to provide resources to affected states so that we can equip our communities to manage what is happening here. States like Texas have received federal funding to address the situation at their border, but they are managing it inhumanely rather than funding serious solutions. We are not equally equipped in Illinois, nor can we impact border policy or the factors driving migration, but we need more resources to address the situation.

A big step in the right direction was the compromise language found in the Lankford-Murphy border reform immigration bill. While the bill had bipartisan support, it died due to politics trumping policy. Should former President Trump be defeated this November, I am optimistic that a new compromise solution will pass Congress and be signed by President Harris.

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?

Illinois has a serious approach to preventing ethics violations. I agree with steps taken in recent years and still consider what more we can do. We’ve implemented policies around economic disclosure, term limits for legislative leaders, and registration requirements for lobbyists.

To build trust, legislators need to not only pass ethics reform but show Illinoisans that we work for them, even those that don’t vote for us. My constituents express affordability concerns, so I passed a bill re-evaluating our property tax system and successfully fought for a child tax credit; I worked with colleagues to cap the cost of insulin and inhalers, and eliminate junk fees and predatory insurance plans. They care about public safety, so I passed laws to help first responders do their jobs and receive care when injured. They prioritize access to education and vocational training, so my work focused on that. I have an accessible office, go door to door, read email daily, and my phone line is open.

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

Yes. My campaign email address is publicly available on my website, as I believe accessibility is critical for candidates and legislators. While we always need to be aware of privacy and safety concerns, I believe including a campaign email address on petitions is a reasonable and important way we can open the door to communication.

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

I support a smart-on-crime approach, and I believe Illinois’ newer criminal justice policies fit the bill. To prevent crime, we need to get down to the bottom of what causes it. This is why I have worked on and supported policies that address economic insecurity, and it is an important aspect of why I prioritize equitable educational and vocational opportunities. Simultaneously, we need our law enforcement officers to have the tools they need to keep us safe as we work on addressing the deeper issues. We do this through policy solutions and funding. I have passed and supported legislation enabling first responders to do their jobs, whether through expanding access to mental health services, improving their insurance options, or addressing the officer shortage.

I believe in the criminal justice reforms we have put in place in recent years, and I maintain relationships with law enforcement, judges, advocates, and others in order to stay aware of additional steps we may need to take.

We now have an assault weapons ban in Illinois. What if any changes should be made to the law? What more can be done to improve gun safety?

I support this law. It bans military-style assault rifles, extended magazines, and rapid-fire modifications, which convert firearms into automatic weapons and have no place in our communities. There are common sense steps we can take to improve gun safety and decrease gun violence, like strengthening background checks and stopping illegal sales to keep guns out of the wrong hands. Some of these hands include those of domestic violence offenders. Partner violence can go from dangerous to deadly when there is a gun accessible. The General Assembly needs to work together to pass Karina’s Bill so that firearms can be removed from a home with a known history of domestic violence in an emergency order of protection.

Illinois is the only state in the nation that mandates regular behind-the-wheel tests for senior drivers. Do you support any changes?

I am open to conversations digging into what we can do to lessen the stress on seniors with clean driving records when it is time to renew their license and also ensure our roads are safe for drivers of all ages. I would want to speak with all stakeholders involved about any proposed language, including law enforcement, seniors, and experts on aging, so that we can find a solution that is evidence-based and addresses the concerns of all parties.

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

As an incumbent, I am equipped with experience, including communication within the chamber. As a mother, I bring a compassionate but firm approach because I want our children to grow up in a safe, equitable society. As a lawyer, I have a critical eye on the policies we consider. Prior to being state representative, I served on the Board of Directors for the Regional Transportation Authority, which will be useful as the legislature considers solutions to our transit system’s fiscal cliff. I also served as a Trustee on the Village of Arlington Heights Board, so I understand the impact legislation passed in Springfield can have on the local level.

When I consider a proposal, my first step is to communicate with proponents and opponents. This lets us file good policy, while hopefully addressing concerns of those impacted. I’ve built strong relationships with stakeholders and colleagues this way, which will allow us to continue passing needed legislation with bipartisan support.