Jennifer Sanalitro: 2024 candidate for Illinois House District 48
Bio
Party: Republican
Office Sought: Illinois House District 48
City: Hanover Park
Age: 52
Occupation: Sales executive
Previous offices held: State Representative, 48th District since 2023
How should the state respond to the influx of migrants bussed here from Southern states?
Poor public policy decisions have created a humanitarian crisis, and the taxpayers of Illinois unfortunately have paid the price. Elected officials have prioritized noncitizen health care and living costs over the needs of our residents and raised taxes on small businesses. These priorities do not align with the wishes of taxpayers, and so it is imperative to change course.
Every human being deserves a safe home and an opportunity to prosper. Ultimately, federal officials must secure the border and make additional resources available to states providing care to migrant families. State leaders must apply pressure and create new alliances to work together to stop unplanned bus arrivals.
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’ reputation for corruption is, sadly, well-earned. I ran for state representative wanting to help strengthen anti-corruption laws, and that job is far from complete. As elected officials, we must operate at a higher standard.
I support empowering the Legislative Inspector General to conduct independent investigations, enforcing stricter conflict of interest rules, and imposing stronger deterrents, including removing pensions from corrupt politicians. And, ultimately, we must stop politicians from choosing their own voters and implement redistricting reform.
Would you support a requirement that election petitions include a line asking candidates for their campaign email address?
Yes, accessibility to voters is one of my priorities and should be a priority for every elected official and candidate. I want to meet each of my constituents however possible — in meetings and door to door, touring their places of work, via phone, and virtually.
How well do you think criminal justice reforms made in recent years are working? What, if any, changes need to be made?
Criminal justice reform and ensuring public safety have divided the legislature. I believe keeping our neighborhoods safe is my most important job as a public official. As the SAFE-T Act approaches its one-year anniversary, we must reflect on its effectiveness, but also must prioritize support of law enforcement through training, recruitment, and retention.
Although the elimination of cash bail creates a pathway for criminals back to the street, other changes to the law like police body cameras and increased reporting create transparency and positive change. Additional long-term work to build opportunity for every neighborhood and ZIP code, turn around failing schools, and foster an environment where job creators can build a future for underserved populations, must continue.
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?
Reducing gun violence requires a multilayered and sophisticated set of solutions in which everyone plays a part. Our state must address the root causes of gun violence, such as mental health issues and economic depression, while stopping the illegal sale of weapons. We must prioritize safe storage, background checks, and appropriate training in state law.
Furthermore, we need to focus on enforcing existing laws and ensuring those who are prohibited from owning firearms, such as felons and those with severe mental illness, do not have access to them. Sheriff Dart reports 84,000 Illinoisans with revoked FOID cards still have their guns, including people who present a clear and present danger. We must provide resources for law enforcement to safely remove these firearms, a difficult and dangerous job.
Pursuing a balanced approach and funding it appropriately will create safer communities for all who call Illinois home.
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 a proud co-sponsor of HB 4431, which removes the requirement for a road test for senior drivers. Data reports this mandate does not make our roads safer. We must repeal this ageist policy and use a more reliable measure.
What personal qualifications do you bring that would make you an effective legislator?
As a mom, sales pro, and active community member, my priority is creating opportunity for the residents of the 48th District. My husband runs a small business, giving my family first-hand understanding of how difficult it can be to succeed in our overtaxed and overregulated state.
Public service gives me a chance to give back through volunteering and meeting the hardworking families in our community. I’m proud to have bipartisan support, with endorsements from both business and labor organizations in my campaign. It means a lot to me to work with disparate organizations for the betterment of our state.
In 2023, I was honored to be selected as an Edgar Fellow, and to be named DuPage County Farm Bureau’s outstanding legislator. I worked across the aisle to pass laws that: protect consumers from mortgage fraud & ensure in-home, saliva-based pre-screenings for cancer are covered by health insurance. I’m passionate about making Illinois a place people want to live, not leave.