Chris Nybo: 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: LombardWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: 24th District Senate Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Married to wife Faye, has one son and two daughters.Occupation: Business AttorneyEducation: Fenwick High School, Dartmouth College, University of Chicago Law School, Harry S Truman Scholarship for Public Service.Civic involvement: Currently an active supporter of the Ray Graham Association for People With Disabilities, AYSO, and Immaculate Conception Parish.Elected offices held: IL State Senator, 24th District (2014-present); IL State Representative, 41st District (2011-2013)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?I believe Springfield will be able to function more productively and effectively when legislators are willing to take a tough stand in order to produce results for the people of Illinois. My record strongly reflects that I am willing to stand up for tough initiatives, even when standing on my own. In 2011, I was the only House Republican to support the workers' compensation reform bill--saving businesses over $600 million on rates. While this bill was not popular with everyone, it was one step in the direction of growing jobs and geting our economy back on track.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?Meaningful pension reform is critically needed, and I have always supported it. It was one the first bills I sponsored, and I was among the first legislators to step forward and support the proposal that became SB 1. If it is declared unconstitutional, the best Plan B may be to pursue what legislators in Puerto Rico did earlier this year when they passed the "Public Corporation Debt Enforcement and Recovery Act â#8364;#8220; a law enabling certain public entities to go to court to obtain limited debt restructuring in emergency situations. Illinois legislators may need to something similar.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.We must allow the 2011 income tax increase to expire, as provided in the law. Not only did I oppose the idea of the tax increase, but I also sponsored measures to repeal it just after I was sworn into office in 2011. I would forcefully oppose and work against any effort to make this "temporary" tax increase permanent. Democratic leaders were not able to solve the State's fiscal problems with the $26 billion generated by the unnecessary tax increase, and the citizens of Illinois should not continue to be burdened with the consequences of the Democrats' failed leadership.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?Illinois' current spending habits demonstrate an irresponsible emphasis being placed on the funding of legislative "wants" instead of our State's "needs." There are many tough decisions to be made in regards to state spending, but I believe that Illinois' finances could be headed in the right direction if we establish the following: (1) Appropriate reforms for the State's big-ticket liabilities, such as the pension system and Medicaid program; (2) Thoughtfully prioritize where every taxpayer dollar will be spent; and (3) Eliminate every area of waste, such as open-ended grants and unnecessary state-funded projects--no matter how small and seemingly insignificant.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?In this area there are many changes to consider; however, as a first step, I would fight to remove the cap on charter schools--which have demonstrated success in performance and closing the achievement gap that prevents many children from achieving potential. However, I believe charter schools should be held to the same standards as our traditional public schools--if they are not performing, they should be closed. Regarding a pension cost-shift, local taxpayers are already significantly burdened. If it were considered, legislators must make sure it is approached in a way that is fair to all citizens of Illinois.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?The lack of jobs is the most important problem facing Illinois families and businesses. Creating jobs needs to be priority. In order to do so, we must address the growing number of fees imposed on businesses and professionals, roll back regulations that make it increasingly more costly to do business here, while increasing access to capital and giving businesses greater incentives to keep and create jobs in this state. During my tenure, I focused on passing legislation that would assist Illinois businesses in creating and retaining quality opportunities of employment, and I plan to continue to do so in Springfield.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope Francis. He understands the importance of history and tradition while still embracing the need for change. He teaches and leads by example.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Tell the truth. Honesty is a virtue that will always serve you well. Lying harms everyone, especially yourself.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?As a kid, I wish I'd done more to oppose bullying in school. Having young children, I'm thankful we now pay more attention to it.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?American History and Economics. Both inspired me to take a broader perspective of the world and understand the role and obligation of public service.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Love your mom. She's the heart of your family and gave you something no one else could; your life.