Nicole La Ha: 2024 candidate for Illinois House District 82

Bio

Party: Republican

Office Sought: Illinois House District 82

City: Homer Glen

Age: 43

Occupation: Full-time legislator

Previous offices held: Homer Glen Village Trustee

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

As a mother of a disabled child, I know how hard families like mine fight every day for basic necessities such as a wheelchair or for medication costs, doctor visits, and therapy sessions.

Illinoisans pay some of the highest taxes in the nation, yet Illinois has state services that are failing because of lack of funding.

We can’t afford to spend billions of dollars on services to migrants. Providing open-ended taxpayer funding for migrants at the expense of programs to help our residents, including seniors, veterans, and working families, is wrong and unsustainable.

I will always advocate for the needs of our local families and residents. I will work to encourage the federal government to solve the problem at its root cause: securing the border and reforming our immigration policies to maintain order and protect Illinois residents.

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?

This an issue of trust — trust in our local, statewide, and federal leaders. Trust begins with high standards of integrity and transparency. Communities should have confidence that their representatives are acting in their best interests, not for self-serving agendas or simply to secure their next election. Unfortunately, too many leaders fall short of this responsibility.

While there are ethics policies in place, they don’t go far enough to restore public confidence. Illinois needs stronger reforms, including stricter enforcement, greater transparency, increased Legislative Inspector General authority and autonomy, and harsher penalties for those who betray the public’s trust.

As leaders, we must have the courage to do what is right for our communities and ensure that voters can rely on their representatives to act with integrity.

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

Yes, I would support such a requirement, and I am committed to being as accessible to constituents as possible. Transparency is critical; providing a direct way for constituents to reach out to candidates can improve engagement and accountability.

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

Representing a district just outside of Chicago, I hear regularly from families who are concerned about violent crime. Many of them moved to our area in search of a safe and healthy community. As a mother of two young kids, I want that for my family too.

I support reforms that balance justice with rehabilitation, ensuring that nonviolent offenders have a path to reintegration while violent criminals face the consequences of their actions. Supporting law enforcement is critical to keeping our neighborhoods safe.

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?

As a mother of young children, I absolutely support Illinois’ practical measures to enhance gun safety, such as mandatory background checks, state storage laws and programming and comprehensive firearm owner training. These policies, when enforced, can and will help keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals without infringing the rights of responsible owners.

In addition to enforcing these laws, we must also address mental health as a serious concern. Focusing on mental health issues, alongside strict enforcement of existing laws, including removing guns from the homes of owners of revoked FOID cards, will ensure violent offenders are held accountable with reduced risk to public safety.

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

It's essential to ensure that all drivers, regardless of age, can drive safely. I think it’s important to avoid blanket policies that may be burdensome and ineffective. I support an individualized approach that considers the abilities and driving record of each driver, based on data and expert recommendations, and not just age.

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

I am a mom legislator, and I think it is very important that we have this unique voice in Springfield when making decisions that directly impact our families.

When my daughter was born with cerebral palsy, I put my heart and soul into changing public policy to ensure every child has the chance to thrive. In 2018, I was recognized with an international humanitarian award for this dedication.

I understand the power of honest leadership and relentless advocacy. In 2022, I was honored to win the title of Mrs. America, and during my year of service, I worked closely with Victoria’s Voice Foundation to raise awareness on addiction prevention and education.

Now, I bring this same passion to work for local families. As a freshman legislator, I’ve focused on stopping tax hikes, fighting human trafficking, and lowering the cost of living.

I understand the value of working in a bipartisan manner to represent every one of my constituents in District 82.