Michelle Mussman: Candidate Profile

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: SchaumburgWebsite: www.votemichelle.orgOffice sought: 56th District Representative Age: 43Family: I am married to George Mussman. Together we have 3 sons - Matt (17), Justin (15), and Nick (13).Occupation: Full-time State LegislatorEducation: University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Science in Design.Civic involvement: Member of PTA and Schaumburg Township Council of PTAs.Elected offices held: None.Questions Answers How will you work to make the General Assembly function more productively and effectively? Wlll you vote to retain your party's current legislative leader? In what specific ways do you support changing how government in Springfield works?Prior to serving as State Representative, I held volunteer and elected positions in the school district and PTA. I ran for this position to help the people in my community better access and participate in what makes our form of government so positive. I have been elected to serve the people of my district, not blame others for what is wrong and not work to find a solution. I will continue to work with both sides of the aisle to accomplish this goal. At this time I am focused on winning my campaign, not voting on a party leader.If the Supreme Court, strikes down the SB 1 pension reform, what is your Plan B and why do you think it would be both legal and effective?Although the state constitution has very specific language regarding changing pension benefits, I have been advised by several attorneys that worked on the legislation that it will hold up to constitutional scrutiny. Something must be done in order to ensure the viability of the pension systems and to ensure those who paid into the system can receive a retirement the state promised. As the pension payment continues to grow every year, critical state services are at risk of being reduced. Pension reform is necessary so basic government services can be provided to Illinois residents without impacting critical state programs.As it stands now, the 2011 income tax increase will expire as planned on Jan. 1. Do you think that expiration should be reconsidered? Would you support making the increase permanent or extending it for some period of time? Please be specific about what level of tax increase, if any, you would support.The state is at a critical point and financial solvency will depend on continued fiscal restraint, as well as, securing an appropriate amount of revenue to maintain the core services our citizens rely on and that the state is mandated to provide. We need to be able to meet our growing pension obligation, continue to pay down debt and address incoming bills, to avoid accruing new debt. Now is the right time to examine how all of our taxes; income, sales, etc. work together and can most fairly be set to meet these needs and address future needs.Do you support cuts in state spending? If so, what specifically do you suggest cutting and how will those cuts be sufficient to restore the state's financial health and economic climate?It is imperative we examine every aspect of the state budget to eliminate waste and inefficient programs. The state must budget just as I do, not spending more than we make. We must continue to review the budget line-by-line and cut spending without negatively impacting basic and critical services. Appropriations committees should also continue to employ the principals of Budgeting for Results, demanding data that prove which programs are working effectively so legislators can make informed decisions about further funding. Since I have been in office the state has cut nearly $3 billion in spending.What changes, if any, do you believe the state should make in the area of education? Would you support the the so-called pension cost-shift to local schools?As a mother of 3, I understand the importance of continuing to find ways to improve education. The state must be a dependable partner with our schools to help provide them with the resources to succeed. Protecting state funding for our schools from devastating cuts has been and will continue to be a priority of mine in Springfield. We must look for ways to strengthen parental involvement, community support and improve student performance. Pension costs should not be shifted to local elementary and high school districts if it would increase the property tax burden already weighing on our residents.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?The state must address its perilous fiscal position and we must work to bring to property tax relief to homeowners. Since I have been in office we have reduced the backlog of bill by $4.5 billion. I hear on a daily basis of the ever-increasing property tax burden my residents are facing. Homes have been foreclosed on due to individuals being unable to afford their property taxes. I will work with local governments and all affected parties to help bring relief to those who are in the most need.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie. In a field typically dominated by men, she has persevered. She has her principles and always fight for them.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Growing up I learned the importance of "showing up." If you wanted something done it was up to you to get it done. Nobody else.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?My one great sadness is that a beloved great aunt did not get to meet the first grandchild in the family, my oldest son Matt.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Art. It helped me learn how to start with nothing and work until you have something complete. Not everything is completed in the first try.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be kind to people. Our relationships with others, those we love and even strangers, are more special than any other part of being alive.