Diane M. Harris: 2022 candidate for Illinois Senate District 43
Bio
Party: Republican
Office sought: Illinois Senate District 43
City: Joliet
Age: 66
Occupation: Small business owner, ItisAmazing
Previous offices held: Current Joliet Public Library Board Trustee, 23rd Precinct Committeeman
Q&A
Q: What needs to be done structurally to make the legislature more effective? What is your position on term limits in general and for legislative leaders specifically?
A: Putting mandates in the bill process and deadlines on when they can be finished. Legislators should serve for 2-4 terms only. The focus should only be on the people and how to make it a better government. Not how to get reelected.
Doing what's best for the people will get one elected. Once the term has been served it's time for another seasoned concerned citizen to step up to the plate to finish was has not been completed or come up with another way to get things done. New individuals and new ideas to prevent a stale government of people.
Q: Federal assistance has enabled the state to make important advances toward improving its budget. What will you do to ensure these advances continue when the federal aid is gone?
A: Government is too large and finding ways to increase revenue without raising taxes is key to improving a balanced budget.
It's important that we look into additional ways where we can reduce redundancy programs in order to streamline government. My plan is to focus on making sure we do not start over spending again.
Giving state incentives to generate tax paying projects that meet the needs of residents; small business opportunities, skill training etc. might be an option in generating additional revenues.
Q: To what extent are you happy or unhappy with the evidence-based model for education funding now in place in Illinois? How would you define "adequate" state funding for Illinois schools and what will you do to promote that?
A: Illinois should consider consolidating to make sure there's adequate funding in areas that are functioning to capacity.
Q: Do you believe elections in Illinois are free and fair? What changes, if any, are needed regarding election security and voter access?
A: Illinois needs to take further steps to insure that our elections are conducted within the accordance of the law. It is better to have an added layer of security with our most sacred Democracy.
Q: How well has Illinois responded to Supreme Court indications that it considers abortion, gay marriage and other social issues to be state, not federal, responsibilities? What if anything needs to be done in these areas and what would you do to make your vision come to pass?
A. Illinois' track record on this issue is disturbing. The liberal left has taken the parenting decisions away from the family and inserted the government with the repeal of the Parental Notification Act. This decision does not have voters voice or full support in all levels of government.