What types of transportation do you use during an average week, and how has this shaped your view of transportation policy?

Biking and public transit (both buses and trains) are my primary forms of transportation and have been my whole life. I also use ride-share and taxis. As a policymaker, this gives me first-hand knowledge of the improvements that need to be made to our public transit and our cycling infrastructure, and overall transit-forward connectivity.

What are some transportation challenges in your district?

Transportation challenges facing the 7th District include cyclist safety due to the lack of protected bike lanes, accessibility for pedestrians, and delayed buses and trains.

How can the State of Illinois address the impending combined $700 million fiscal cliff facing the CTA, Metra, and Pace in a way that ensures sustained and adequate funding for the future?

I am very concerned about the upcoming fiscal cliff the Regional Transportation Authority will face once federal COVID-19 relief funding runs out at the end of 2025. The State of Illinois will need to do more to make sure that the transit systems that hundreds of thousands of people rely on remain financially stable. Instead of raising fares or cutting service, we need to explore alternative sources of funding that will keep our transit systems moving for years to come. At the state level, I will continue to work with the RTA, transit advocates, and other stakeholders to identify these sources of funding.

A federal rule allows for states to flex up to 50% of federal highway funds towards transit instead. New Jersey currently flexes 15%, and California flexes 12% compared to Illinois at just under 3%. Would you make any changes to this amount, and if so why?

Yes, Illinois should increase this flex funding so that we can make critical investments in our transit systems and ensure their financial stability.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (“IDOT”) plays a significant role in transportation throughout the state and in Chicago. What is your opinion on their relationship with the Chicago Department of Transportation, local communities, and the impact that has?

I helped to broker and am encouraged by the recent collaboration between IDOT and CDOT with the Memorandum of Understanding adopted in January 2023 that streamlines the process of implementing safety measures to reduce traffic fatalities. I also understand that more work needs to be done to ensure that IDOT, CDOT, and other transportation agencies work meaningfully and collaboratively with local communities to make sure that their transportation needs are fulfilled.

How do you view the Illinois General Assembly’s role in setting IDOT’s priorities for public transit, passenger rail, and strengthening accessibility in transportation?

The Illinois General Assembly should have an increased role in helping set IDOT’s priorities around public transportation and work in partnership with them so that the transportation needs of our constituents are met. The General Assembly should work with IDOT to ensure that transit access and efficiency are a priority when designing and improving road networks. This should include street designs that will improve the ability for buses to move more quickly as well as designing pedestrian crossings in a way that transit riders can safely access buses and rail. Several bills I authored and passed last spring such as SB2014, which requires IDOT to include pedestrian and bike safety improvements on state routes during routine maintenance projects, is an example of the role the assembly can play in setting IDOT’s priorities. Similarly, a recent bill I just filed, SB2843, requires all rail systems in Illinois to make transparent all federal safety recommendations made by the National Transportation Safety Board and progress made towards implementation. In the wake of the Skokie Yellow Line horrific collision in November, this legislation is critical and timely. I also authored and passed SB 1892 which removes recertification for those living with disability and seniors in the ride free and reduced program on RTA systems, which removes an unnecessary and burdensome barrier to transit for countless people across our region. It is in this spirit that I will continue to champion public transit, passenger rail, and accessibility in transportation.

What is your position on IDOT’s current proposals for rebuilding North Du Sable Lake Shore Drive?

While I am excited about this once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine North Du Sable Lake Shore Drive, we must make sure that it is done correctly. Current proposals place too much emphasis on accommodating car traffic, and we know that highways are a major source of pollution in our cities and worsen the climate crisis. We need to advocate for proposals that better serve our North Lakefront communities. Such proposals should include protected bike lanes and rapid transit lines so that people can move more efficiently and safely along the lakefront. Pedestrian safety should also be prioritized, especially at the northern terminus at Hollywood Avenue in Edgewater. Finally, any proposals need to address accessibility to Lincoln Park so that everyone will have the ability to enjoy what our lakefront has to offer. DSLD belongs to the people and I look forward to working with residents, advocates, and IDOT to bring this vision to fruition.