Nabeela Syed: 2024 candidate for Illinois House District 51

Bio

Party: Democrat

Office Sought: Illinois House District 51

City: Inverness

Age: 25

Occupation: State Representative since 2022

Previous offices held: None

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

At this moment, the state’s top priority should be ensuring our local communities have the resources to safely manage the current situation. While Illinois lacks authority over border policy, we must insist that the federal government support us in handling the influx of migrants.

Gov. Abbott is undoubtedly using people to make a political point, placing Illinois in a challenging position without the federal funding that Texas receives. This funding is crucial for managing the population increase.

Ultimately, it is imperative that the federal government spearhead immigration reform and provide the necessary resources to support our communities in managing this influx humanely. At the state level, it’s important Illinois meets our community’s demands for a transparent, well-organized system for intaking individuals bussed to our state.

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?

We have taken good steps to pursue legislative ethics reform over the past few years, including putting a term limit of 10 consecutive years on legislative leadership positions, enhancing campaign finance transparency, strengthening revolving door policies, and prohibiting individuals convicted of offenses like bribery and perjury from holding state office.

Yet, much remains to be done. I know we have seen examples of corruption at every level of government, and this is a history, reality, and stigma that Illinois must grapple with.

When I talk to residents in my district, it is clear that we have a lot more work to do to improve government transparency and rebuild trust, particularly in the legislative and budgeting processes. Each legislative office has a role to play in increasing transparency and addressing constituent concerns to help combat some of these perceptions, while also pursuing stronger legislative and systemic reform to safeguard against corruption whenever necessary.

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

I would definitely support this requirement.

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

Like any policy that is passed, recent criminal justice reforms need to be monitored, data needs to be reviewed, and changes need to be made whenever needed so that we can more effectively meet the intention of the policy reform.

We need to regularly review data to determine if these reforms are improving our criminal justice system and truly making our community safer. It is crucial to make adjustments as needed to align with the policy’s goals.

I have maintained a smart on crime approach, where we ensure that individuals who pose a real threat are closely monitored, while upholding the enforcement of criminal laws to protect victims. This is why I collaborated with the state police to enact legislation that protects victims of crime. I am also committed to ensuring that our incarceration system is fair. A criminal justice system where we allow for rehabilitation can decrease recidivism and will help keep our communities safer.

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?

The rise in mass shootings has become an unacceptable part of our news cycle. Our children should not have to practice active shooter drills in school, and parents should not be afraid when sending their kids to class. While banning military-style assault weapons was a crucial step toward reducing mass shootings in Illinois, there is more to do.

We must intensify efforts to combat illegal gun sales, prevent firearms from falling into the hands of dangerous individuals, and strengthen background checks. These common-sense measures are essential for improving community safety. We also need to pass Karina’s Bill, which would remove firearms from domestic abusers to protect women and families. This is a piece of legislation that will undoubtedly save lives.

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 co-sponsor of House Bill 4431, which would eliminate this mandate for seniors, aligning Illinois with the practices of every other state. I support this legislation because, statistically, there is no need for additional tests for seniors, who incur a significant burden to take these tests.

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

In my first term, I championed the interests of our community, passing 14 laws with bipartisan support, many inspired by conversations with constituents. Listening to constituents is what I believe makes me an effective legislator.

In Kildeer, I supported residents' wishes for solar panels by backing the efforts of local leaders. After years of waiting, I helped release $250,000 in capital funds for Deer Park infrastructure.

When Hawthorn Woods and Kildeer residents went days without water, I introduced legislation and publicly held the water company accountable for prioritizing profits over a necessity. I’ve fought Big Pharma to combat prescription drug price gouging and voted against tax increases.

While contentious issues often take the spotlight, my focus is on delivering tangible results. In just two years, we've made significant progress, and with another term, I aim to achieve even more for the 51st District. This community is my home, and I will continue to fight for it.