Anna Moeller: 2024 candidate for Illinois House District 43

Bio

Party: Democrat

Office Sought: Illinois House District 43

City: Elgin

Age: 52

Occupation: State Representative since 2014

Previous offices held: Councilwoman, City of Elgin

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

Under unprecedented circumstances, the state’s response to the arrival of migrants bussed from Southern states resulted in the state mobilizing resources to provide humanitarian aid and support services. The state has also worked with nonprofit, faith-based organizations and community groups to facilitate their integration, focusing on the immediate needs of families and children.

Ultimately, immigration is a federal responsibility, and Congress must act to reform the U.S. immigration system to address outdated policies, improve border security, and create a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants.

A comprehensive reform would enhance economic growth, uphold humanitarian values and reduce the chaos at the border. However, Republicans, led by Donald Trump, have consistently blocked passing meaningful immigration legislation. This obstruction has stalled progress, leaving the immigration system broken and millions of lives in uncertainty.

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 taken steps to enact ethics reform in response to long-standing concerns over political corruption. The state’s efforts have focused on increasing transparency, accountability and integrity in government. Key reforms include legislation to impose greater disclosure requirements.

Additionally, the legislature passed laws to tighten restrictions on elected officials’ conflicts of interest and closed loopholes that previously allowed unethical behavior to go unchecked.

In 2021, I made the decision to vote against Mike Madigan for Speaker due to serious ethical issues tied to his leadership. I believe it is crucial to hold our leaders accountable to restore public trust. My vote against Madigan was a stand for meaningful change in Illinois politics, aligning with the broader push for reform.

As we continue to address these challenges, it’s vital that we prioritize the interests of the people over entrenched political power.

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

I sponsored legislation that mandates the inclusion of email addresses on all statements of candidacy. This requirement serves multiple purposes: it enhances transparency, empowers voters, and streamlines communication between candidates and the public.

By requiring email disclosure, we ensure that every candidate remains accessible to their constituents, reinforcing the democratic principle that elected officials must be accountable to the people they serve.

This legislation is part of a broader effort to modernize and reform our electoral system, making it more transparent, inclusive, and efficient. Requiring email addresses on statements of candidacy is a practical step toward increasing transparency and accessibility in the electoral process.

Emails provide a direct line of communication between candidates and the public, ensuring that voters, journalists, and advocacy groups can easily reach out for information, pose questions, or clarify positions.

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

Recent criminal justice reforms in Illinois, such as the elimination of cash bail, represent important steps toward creating a more equitable system. These reforms have helped address systemic inequalities, particularly for low-income and minority communities disproportionately impacted by the justice system while ensuring that those who pose a true risk to the community are detained.

However, while progress has been made, challenges remain. Disparities still exist in how reforms are applied county by county, leading to uneven outcomes. Judicial systems need the resources to implement the changes that have been enacted.

Additionally, attention must also focus on rehabilitation and reintegration programs. Public safety concerns also need to be addressed alongside reform efforts. Law enforcement should have the tools and support they need while ensuring that reforms do not compromise community safety.

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 assault weapons ban in Illinois was a major step toward reducing gun violence, but additional measures are necessary to improve gun safety. We need to pass Karina’s Law, a bill that passed in the House but was stalled in the Senate.

This important initiative would clarify existing state law and require law enforcement to take guns from those subject to certain domestic violence orders of protection. We must take aggressive action to protect victims of domestic violence from being victimized again.

Further, we need to continue to focus on addressing the root causes of gun violence. Investing in community-based violence prevention programs and mental health services can help reduce the factors that lead to gun-related crimes.

While the assault weapons ban was an important step, comprehensive gun safety requires a multifaceted approach, combining stricter regulations, community investments, and public awareness to effectively reduce gun violence and improve 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?

While Illinois’ requirement for regular behind-the-wheel tests for senior drivers is a sensible policy that prioritizes road safety, some adjustments could enhance its fairness and effectiveness. As people age, their physical and cognitive abilities can change, potentially impacting driving skills.

Last fall, the Secretary of State’s office increased the age requirement for behind-the-wheel tests from 75 to 79. This adjustment was based off a study the office conducted that showed seniors in this age group are among the safest drivers of any age category.

Illinois should also consider introducing more personalized timelines for behind-the-wheel testing, based on an individual’s driving history and cognitive and physical health rather than a blanket age-based approach.

By making the process more flexible and supportive, Illinois can balance road safety with the rights and needs of senior drivers, helping them stay on the road safely for as long as possible.

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

I love this community and the needs of my constituents have always been at the heart of my public service. As State Representative, my ability to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle has led to meaningful reforms that improve the lives of our families.

I’ve worked to pass balanced budgets that provide inflation relief, invest in education, human services and public safety, while also creating a rainy-day fund for Illinois’ future stability.

As a strong advocate for healthcare access and affordability, I passed the Healthcare Protection Act to prohibit insurance companies from denying access to essential medical services. Defending women’s reproductive rights has also been a priority, helping make Illinois a safe place for women’s health care.

Seeking re-election, my focus remains on creating safe, healthy and prosperous communities by preventing violent gun offenses, ensuring every neighborhood school has the resources to thrive and supporting families and small businesses.