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<h2 style="text-align: center">From Rockford, for the People</h2><h3></h3><img src="https://run.imgix.net/965718b2-c3d2-4815-83bb-a3ab16f975f6/42b47196-eba2-49e0-8d8c-e79fd4f0cc2c/42b47196-eba2-49e0-8d8c-e79fd4f0cc2c.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C3506%2C2355&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><h3>Meet Montez Soliz</h3>I come from a place where community isn’t just a word, it’s a lifeline. It’s a place where people work hard, lift each other up, and keep pushing forward even when the odds are stacked against us. I was born and raised in Rockford, IL, by a single mother who was told she’d never graduate high school because she had me. They said our lives would always be a struggle, that she should give up on her education to raise me. But she refused. She proved them wrong, graduating from high school with me in her arms. <img src="https://run.imgix.net/965718b2-c3d2-4815-83bb-a3ab16f975f6/257a7041-c832-41d3-830f-76cefe6696f7/257a7041-c832-41d3-830f-76cefe6696f7.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=150%2C750%2C2223%2C2564&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">She worked paycheck to paycheck, discredited and underestimated at every turn, yet she never let that stop her. And she refused to let me or my siblings become just another statistic. My mother taught me that our circumstances don’t define our destiny. That lesson stuck, reinforced by my grandfather, a visionary community leader who dedicated his life to opening doors for Black and Brown students across Chicago and beyond. From him, I learned that leadership isn’t about fancy titles or prestige; it’s about responsibility. It’s about showing up for people who have been told their voices don’t matter, and making sure those voices are heard. He taught me to stand up for what’s right, even if it meant standing alone. Those lessons shaped my path.<h3 style="text-align: right">From Service to Action</h3><img src="https://run.imgix.net/965718b2-c3d2-4815-83bb-a3ab16f975f6/b66f0a8e-a98b-4aa7-baa3-5a0a515029c9/b66f0a8e-a98b-4aa7-baa3-5a0a515029c9.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C2048%2C1368&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="50" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">At Northern Illinois University, I served as President of Model Illinois Government and Director of Governmental Affairs for SGA and was actively involved in political campaigns. After graduation, I went on to work for two local state representatives in Illinois and later served in the halls of Congress where I managed a Member’s calendar, answered constituent calls, and helped build the network of relationships that connected the district to federal resources and opportunities. It showed me firsthand how much impact good public service can have when it’s rooted in people, not politics. But while I was focused on serving my community, I watched a darker force gaining ground; one that treats power like a game and people like collateral.<h3>Why I am Running,</h3>Across the country, Donald Trump and his allies are busy dismantling our democracy from the inside out. They spread lies, attack civil rights, and turn fear into law. And now, with the passage of his so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” they’re gutting worker protections, giving billionaires another handout, and setting our communities up to fail, all while pretending it’s progress. It’s not. It’s a smokescreen for greed.<h4>And it’s working-class families across Illinois who will bear the brunt of the cost.</h4>And here at home in Illinois? We deserve leaders who will call this out and stand up to these dangerous actions and who will fight back with real solutions. Instead, too many of our current officeholders stay silent on the sidelines, or offer too little, too late, while our rights, our safety, and our future hang in the balance. We are done protecting the status quo. We demand that our voices be heard and our futures be protected. We know what happens when we don’t have a seat at the table; we end up on the menu. Our generation has watched our parents and grandparents struggle with stagnant wages. We’ve watched our classmates endure active shooter drills. We’ve watched the clock tick toward climate catastrophe. We refuse to simply inherit the consequences of our leaders' failures. We are determined to shape what comes next ourselves.<h4>I’m stepping forward and running for Congress because our future and the next generation’s future are on the line.</h4>I will not sit back and let others decide it for us. I’m running because I know in my heart that this is our time. Not a time to wait. Not a time to cross our fingers and hope someone else will act. It’s time to step up and lead. This moment demands more than business as usual. We need leaders who won’t just cast the right votes when it’s easy, but who will fight the good fight every single time. Leaders who don’t flinch from tough battles, but meet them head-on with courage and clarity. I respect the work that’s been done so far, but I know, we all know, that it’s nowhere near enough. We can do more, and we must. IL-17 deserves a representative as bold as the challenges we face.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/965718b2-c3d2-4815-83bb-a3ab16f975f6/89ff6157-4d82-4835-a8e9-3b42be7ecc76/89ff6157-4d82-4835-a8e9-3b42be7ecc76.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C3562%2C2388&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><h3>What I Believe</h3>I believe in a future where people come before profit. Where community is stronger than corporations. Where government shows up for everyone who calls IL-17 home. The challenges we face from unaffordable health care and housing, to the climate crisis, to attacks on fundamental rights are immense. But so is our power to overcome them. Armed with bold ideas, deep empathy, and a grassroots movement at our backs, we can build an America where every family, every farmer, every senior, every veteran, every small business owner, and every young person finally gets the fair shot they deserve. And I know this deep in my bones: there are more of us than there are of them. More people are ready to fight for working families instead of billionaires. More young people are ready to lead instead of waiting for their turn. More rural, suburban, and urban communities are ready to be seen, heard, and respected. This isn’t just a policy outline. It’s a promise, a plan of action, a declaration that we will fight like hell for the future we all deserve, and that at the new table we’re building, no one is going to be left behind. The road ahead won’t be easy; real change never is. But I’m ready for this fight, and I’m asking you to stand with me.<h3>Together, we will secure a better future for IL-17.</h3><img src="https://run.imgix.net/965718b2-c3d2-4815-83bb-a3ab16f975f6/9538ee56-8f32-4e3c-8615-6020faff5235/9538ee56-8f32-4e3c-8615-6020faff5235.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1920%2C1170&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">

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<h3>Fighting for Our Community</h3>Montez is committed to protecting and expanding civil rights for all people. He will lead bold climate action to create good jobs and clean energy for Illinois. Montez will invest in educators and make education affordable for every student. He supports immigration reform that treats people with dignity and fairness. He will push for common-sense gun violence prevention to keep communities safe. And he will defend and expand voting rights to ensure a strong, fair democracy.

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Montez Soliz is a dedicated community leader and candidate for Congress in Illinois' 17th District. Raised in Rockford by a single mother, Montez learned the values of hard work and resilience early on. He’s worked at every level of government, focusing on public service, outreach, and policy that puts people first. His campaign is about economic justice, affordable healthcare and housing, environmental action, and protecting our rights. Montez is running to bring bold, people-powered leadership to Washington.

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Reproductive freedom is a fundamental human right. Yet since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, millions of Americans including people right here in the Midwest have lost access to safe, legal abortion care. Illinois has become a crucial safe haven for those seeking care, but our neighbors in Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana and beyond are now living under draconian bans. This isn’t just unjust, it’s dangerous. Women’s lives are literally on the line. As the oldest brother of three little sisters, and as someone deeply committed to justice, I am outraged that our generation has fewer rights over our own bodies than our parents did. Let me be clear: I trust people to make the best decisions for their own bodies and families. Politicians, especially a bunch of mostly male legislators have NO business controlling personal medical decisions. In Congress, I will fight relentlessly to restore and expand reproductive rights, and ensure that everyone, no matter where they live or how much money they make, can access the full spectrum of reproductive health care without shame, obstacles, or fear.In Congress, I will:&nbsp; • Codify Roe v. Wade into federal law. We need a national law that guarantees the right to abortion care across America, regardless of which party or judge is in power. I will vote for and champion legislation that restores the protections of Roe. This means the federal government would prohibit states from banning abortion before fetal viability (and always protect abortions necessary for the health or life of the mother). Your rights shouldn’t depend on your zip code. We must ensure that no Supreme Court decision and no extremist state legislature can ever take away the right to choose again.&nbsp;• Repeal the Hyde Amendment. For decades, the Hyde Amendment has unfairly barred Medicaid from covering abortion services, effectively denying abortion access to low-income women (who are disproportionately women of color). This is discriminatory and wrong on every level. The ability to exercise your rights shouldn’t depend on how much money you have. I will work to permanently repeal Hyde so that public insurance can cover all pregnancy-related care including abortion. Reproductive healthcare is healthcare, full stop.&nbsp;• Expand funding for reproductive healthcare clinics. I will fight to increase Title X funding and other federal support for clinics that provide contraception, STI testing and treatment, cancer screenings, prenatal care, and other critical services. These community health centers and Planned Parenthood clinics are lifelines – especially in rural areas where they may be the only reproductive health providers around. We need more resources for them, not politically motivated cuts. Every person should have local access to affordable birth control and reproductive care to stay healthy and prevent unwanted pregnancies.&nbsp;• Invest in maternal health and end racial disparities. The U.S. maternal mortality rate is a crisis – especially for Black and brown mothers, who face unacceptably higher risks. I’ll push to fully implement the Maternal Health Momnibus Act, a package of bills that invest in community maternal health programs, improve data collection, and address social factors like housing and nutrition. I’ll also fight to make the postpartum Medicaid extension (to 12 months after birth) a permanent requirement nationwide. No mother should die from preventable causes&nbsp;in childbirth or postpartum. Let’s support midwives, doulas, and expanded obstetric care in underserved areas to make pregnancy and childbirth safer for everyone.&nbsp;• Protect doctors, patients, and helpers from criminalization. The new abortion bans around the country are not only cruel. Some are trying to criminalize doctors and health care professionals for providing care, or even punish friends for helping someone travel to a safe state. I will support federal protections for any person who provides or assists in lawful reproductive care. Doctors should not fear jail for doing their jobs, and no one should be prosecuted for helping a friend in need. I will also back legislation to ensure that medication abortion (which is safe and effective) remains accessible by mail, and that the FDA’s authority to approve drugs like mifepristone is upheld against politically motivated attacks.&nbsp;No one should have to cross state lines to get healthcare. No one should have to fear jail for seeking or providing medical care. I trust women. I trust pregnant people. I trust families to make the personal decisions that are right for them. In Congress, I’ll be an unbreakable wall against any effort to strip away reproductive rights. Instead, we will expand access to abortion and reproductive services and finally treat these rights for what they are: fundamental freedoms.

Reproductive freedom is a fundamental human right. Yet since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, millions of Americans including people right here in the Midwest have lost access to safe, legal abortion care. Illinois has become a crucial safe haven for those seeking care, but our neighbors in Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana and beyond are now living under draconian bans...

Reproductive Rights and Bodily Autonomy

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Universal Care, No Exceptions&nbsp; Healthcare should not depend on your wallet, your zip code, or your job. Yet across IL-17, I’ve met people who are rationing insulin, skipping doctor’s appointments, or drowning in medical debt. In the richest nation on Earth, that is an outrage. Healthcare is a human right and not a privilege reserved for the wealthy or well-connected. No family should face bankruptcy because a child got sick. No one should have to choose between paying the rent and paying for their prescriptions. And no corporate insurance middleman should get to decide who receives life-saving treatment and who doesn’t. We’ve made some progress, the Affordable Care Act expanded coverage and protections but we have so much further to go. Over 100 million Americans, including 41% of adults, are saddled with medical debt today. It’s clear our system is still broken. It’s time to treat healthcare as the public good that it is and guarantee care for all, period.I will champion a bold vision for healthcare:&nbsp; • Pass Medicare for All to guarantee universal coverage. It’s time to stop nibbling around the edges and establish a single-payer national health program that covers everyone. Under Medicare for All, every American will have comprehensive coverage including mental health services, dental, vision, reproductive care, and prescription drugs with no out-of-pocket costs at the point of service. You will never get a medical bill that forces you into debt, and your coverage will never be tied to your job. That means you’re free to start a business, go back to school, or change jobs without fear of losing healthcare. This reform will save money (by cutting administrative waste and corporate profiteering) and save lives.&nbsp;• Eliminate medical debt and slash prescription drug prices. Families caught in the medical debt trap need relief now. I’ll fight for a medical debt forgiveness program to wipe out debt for low- and middle-income households, because nobody should be punished financially for getting sick. I will also take on Big Pharma to drastically cut drug prices: empowering Medicare to negotiate drug prices for everyone, capping out-of-pocket costs for insulin and life-saving drugs (no one in IL-17 should pay more than $35 a month for the medicine they need), and cracking down on price gouging by drug companies.&nbsp;• Address the Black maternal health crisis. The United States has a maternal mortality rate that is shameful – especially for Black and brown mothers, who die at 3-4 times the rate of white mothers. I will fight to pass the Momnibus Act, a package of bills to invest in community-based maternal care, diversify the perinatal workforce, and address the social factors that lead to these tragic outcomes. We must also extend Medicaid coverage for new moms to a full year after birth in every state (as Illinois has done); no mother should lose coverage weeks after having a baby.• Bring healthcare to the people. In a district with both rural areas and booming suburbs, access to care is uneven. I’ll expand telehealth services and mobile clinics to bring care directly to underserved communities, whether that’s a small town without a hospital or a neighborhood without mental health services. We saw during the pandemic that telehealth can save lives; let’s invest in it and make it permanent. I will also push for incentive programs to attract doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals to rural and high-need areas, so that distance and provider shortages don’t stop folks from getting care.&nbsp;• Rein in insurance and hospital abuse. We must hold corporate healthcare giants accountable. I’ll fight against the predatory practices of insurance companies and for-profit hospital systems that deny needed care. That includes stronger enforcement against surprise billing, limits on exorbitant hospital fees, and strict oversight of insurance claim denials. We should reward health care providers for patient outcomes and not let profit-driven systems game the market. I’ll also support efforts to scrutinize and block mega-mergers in the healthcare industry that reduce competition and drive up prices.&nbsp;Getting sick is hard enough, so paying for care shouldn’t add to the pain. Healthcare is not just about survival; it’s about freedom and justice. When everyone can get the care they need, we are a stronger, happier, more productive society. I’ll work every day until we achieve a system where your health is guaranteed and never again a source of fear or bankruptcy.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Universal Care, No Exceptions&nbsp; Healthcare should not depend on your wallet, your zip code, or your job. Yet across IL-17, I’ve met people who are rationing insulin, skipping doctor’s appointments, or drowning in medical debt. In the richest nation on Earth, that is an outrage. Healthcare is a human right and not a privilege reserved for the wealthy or well-connected. No family should face...

Healthcare is Freedom

Our planet is telling us something is very wrong. Our farms are seeing more frequent droughts one year and then catastrophic floods the next. Our suburbs have endured “once-in-a-century” storms that now hit every few years, overwhelming aging stormwater systems. Whether you’re a farmer, a homeowner, or a young person worried about your future, it’s clear: climate change is here, and it’s an existential crisis. Scientists warn we have only a small window left to drastically cut emissions and prevent the worst outcomes. But I also see tremendous opportunity: tackling climate change is our chance to reinvent our economy, create millions of jobs, and address long-standing environmental injustices. Illinois, especially our district, with its mix of agriculture, industry, and innovation can lead the way with a Green New Deal that benefits all of us. I refuse to let the cynics say this can’t be done. We have the science, the solutions, and the urgency. Now we need the political courage. I’m ready to bring that to Washington on behalf of IL-17.&nbsp;I’ll fight for bold climate action and environmental justice:&nbsp; • Enact a Green New Deal to create jobs and reach 100% clean energy. I strongly support a Green New Deal not just as a climate goal, but as a jobs and infrastructure plan for America. This means massive investments to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest. We’ll put millions to work building solar arrays and wind farms (yes, in Illinois that means offshore wind in the Great Lakes and turbines across our prairies), upgrading our electric grid, and retrofitting homes and schools for energy efficiency. I’ll fight for a Midwest Climate Corps that hires young people and trades workers to weatherize buildings, install renewable energy, and restore natural habitats. This isn’t pie-in-the-sky; it’s exactly what our nation did in the 1930s (rural electrification, the TVA, the CCC) but for the 21st century. And it will especially help rural areas and rust-belt towns to boom with new, green industries.&nbsp;• Invest in Illinois as a clean energy leader. Illinois has already taken strides with the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, and our district is well-positioned to benefit further. I will push for federal incentives and grants to supercharge clean energy development here in IL-17. That includes expanding wind and solar production on Illinois farms (giving farmers extra&nbsp;income), supporting research at places like Northern Illinois University into next-gen batteries and smart grid tech, and bolstering our manufacturing of electric vehicles and components. We can create good union jobs making the solar panels, wind turbine parts, and electric tractors of the future all stamped “Made in Illinois.” We have the workforce; we just need the investment.&nbsp;• Promote climate-smart agriculture. Farmers can be some of our greatest climate heroes with the right support. I’ll expand USDA conservation programs that pay farmers to adopt practices that sequester carbon and protect ecosystems such as cover cropping, low-till farming, planting prairie strips or trees on field edges, and improving soil health. I’ll also push for research into sustainable biofuels and regenerative agriculture techniques, making Illinois a hub&nbsp;for climate-friendly farming. With federal help, our farmers can lead the nation in showing how to feed the world while healing the planet.&nbsp;• Guarantee clean air, water, and soil for every community. Environmental justice is a pillar of my climate approach. Too often, it’s Black, Brown, Indigenous, and low-income communities who suffer the worst pollution from toxic waste dumps, to factory emissions, to lead in water pipes. I’ll fight to increase EPA enforcement against polluters and dedicate funds to clean up legacy pollution sites (Superfund) in Illinois. I’ll also support replacing lead pipes to ensure every family has safe drinking water, and monitoring air quality in industrial hotspots. As we build green infrastructure, we must prioritize those communities who’ve borne the brunt of pollution, making sure they get new parks, green spaces, and flood protections. Climate action must lift up those who have been left behind.&nbsp;• Help communities adapt and build resilience. Even as we cut emissions, we have to deal with the climate impacts already here. I’ll push for a dedicated stream of climate resilience grants to help towns and counties rebuild stronger after disasters. If a flood hits the Rock River or a tornado strikes, federal aid should rebuild homes and businesses in a way that anticipates future threats and not leave communities bankrupt. I support funding for flood control projects, drought relief for farmers, and wildfire prevention in prairies and forests. In addition, I’ll back insurance reforms so that homeowners aren’t bankrupted by climate disasters, and we’re incentivizing smart land-use (like not building on floodplains repeatedly).&nbsp;We know what we have to do: transition to renewable energy, electrify transportation, make buildings efficient, and protect our natural landscapes. Acting on climate will create good jobs, lower energy costs in the long run, and preserve the Illinois we love for future generations. I’m not here to nibble around the edges; I’m here to get the job done. The time for small, incremental steps has passed; we need bold action to save our planet and secure our future. I’ll bring that urgency and vision to Congress to make sure IL-17 is at the forefront of a greener, more just America.&nbsp;

Our planet is telling us something is very wrong. Our farms are seeing more frequent droughts one year and then catastrophic floods the next. Our suburbs have endured “once-in-a-century” storms that now hit every few years, overwhelming aging stormwater systems. Whether you’re a farmer, a homeowner, or a young person worried about your future, it’s clear: climate change is here, and it’s an...

Climate Action

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 7, 2025Montez Soliz Announces Campaign for Congress in Illinois’ 17th District: “Fighting for Our Future Starts Now”Rockford, IL — Today, Montez Soliz announced his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives in Illinois’ 17th Congressional District, calling the race “a turning point for a generation ready to lead, ready to act, and ready to build a future we all deserve.”At a time when working families are facing rising costs, corporate greed, and attacks on basic freedoms, Soliz is stepping forward with a clear message: we can’t wait for change — we have to organize and fight for it.“Donald Trump didn’t just sign a bill, he signed away the future for millions of Americans,” Soliz said, referencing the former president’s so-called “big beautiful bill,” a sweeping right-wing package that slashed food assistance, stripped away labor protections, gutted climate investments, and pushed more families off affordable health care plans. “This is what happens when politicians play it safe, when we stop listening to working people, and when we let fear win. I’m running because too many people are being left behind and I refuse to let that be the future we settle for.Soliz’s campaign is rooted in justice, built by everyday people, and driven by the belief that the government should actually work for those who keep this country running. His platform includes a $20 minimum wage, Medicare for All, climate action that creates jobs in rural communities, federal protections for abortion rights, and real investment in small towns, cities, and farming communities too often overlooked by Washington.Born and raised in Rockford and the oldest of nine siblings, Soliz brings a deep understanding of struggle and a bold, forward-looking vision for what’s possible when working people lead the way. “We deserve leadership that’s present, principled, and unafraid to fight for what’s right,” Soliz said. “Not just in moments of ease but in moments of crisis, when it matters most.”If elected, Soliz would be the first Afro-Latino to represent IL-17 and one of the youngest members of Congress in American history. But he’s not running to make history. He’s running to build a future rooted in dignity, justice, and opportunity for all.“This isn’t about me,” said Soliz. “It’s about all of us, the people who get up early, stay up late, care for our families, and keep this country running. Our generation has something powerful to offer — not just rage at injustice, but the imagination to build something new. That’s what this campaign is about. That’s what I’m fighting for.”Press Contact: <a href="mailto:media@montezforcongress.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">media@montezforcongress.com</a>

Rockford, IL — Today, Montez Soliz announced his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives in Illinois’ 17th Congressional District, calling the race “a turning point for a generation ready to lead, ready to act, and ready to build a future we all deserve.”

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Montez Soliz Announces Campaign

I am a proud product of Illinois public schools, from elementary school all the way through NIU. I know firsthand that teachers are miracle workers who often do so much with so few resources. I know that a great public education can open the door to opportunity, because it did for me. Today, our public schools remain the beating heart of our communities, urban and rural alike. But they’re under attack and under-resourced. Politicians are banning books instead of funding classrooms. Teachers are underpaid and leaving the profession, while students face crowded classrooms and outdated materials. College has become staggeringly expensive, and too many graduates are buried in debt. Meanwhile, right-wing extremists are even proposing to abolish the Department of Education altogether. Let’s be clear: gutting education is gutting our future. If we want a thriving economy and a healthy democracy, we must invest in every student, every educator, and every school. It’s time to treat education as the priority it truly is. Our kids are not political pawns; they are the future leaders and innovators of this nation.&nbsp;Here’s my plan to strengthen education:&nbsp; • Pay our teachers and support staff what they deserve. No educator should be forced to work a second job to make ends meet at the same time they are teaching the next generation of leaders. I’ll fight to raise the federal minimum salary for teachers to $60,000 per year, and ensure paraprofessionals and school support staff (like aides, cafeteria workers, bus drivers) also get a significant raise. This isn’t just moral, it will help address our teacher shortage by making the profession sustainable. We can incentivize states to meet this pay floor using Title I and other federal funds. It’s an investment in quality education.&nbsp;• Support those who educate while they train. Teaching is one of the only professions where we ask student teachers to work full-time in classrooms for free. That’s unjust and it drives talented, diverse candidates away. I will introduce the Student Teacher Compensation Act to provide stipends or salaries for student teachers during their required training semester. By easing the financial burden on aspiring teachers, we’ll attract more passionate young people to the field including more teachers of color and teachers from low-income backgrounds who otherwise couldn’t afford to spend months without pay.&nbsp;• Get more resources into classrooms (especially in the neediest areas). I will triple Title I funding (which supports high-poverty schools) so that districts can hire more teachers and reduce class sizes, update textbooks and technology, and offer enriching programs like arts and advanced coursework. I’ll also expand IDEA funding to fully support students with disabilities. The federal government still hasn’t met its promise of covering 40% of special education costs, straining local budgets. It’s time to fulfill that promise so every child with special needs gets the individualized support they require. Modern learning tools, from broadband internet access to science lab equipment, should be in every school and not just the wealthiest ones.&nbsp;• Stand up to extremist attacks on public education. Let’s call it what it is: moves to abolish the Department of Education or censor history are part of Donald Trump’s authoritarian agenda to undermine an educated citizenry. I will fight any attempt to eliminate the federal Department of Education which would rip away civil rights enforcement, Pell Grants, and support for low-income students. In particular, I’ll block “Project 2025” or any similar scheme that aims to destroy public education from within. I’ll also use congressional oversight to protect honest teaching of history and science in our schools; the federal government can incentivize evidence-based curricula and make clear that whitewashing history or denying scientific facts (like climate change) is not acceptable if you receive federal funds. Our kids deserve the truth and a well-rounded education, not ideological propaganda.• Ensure schools are safe and supportive places to learn. Students can’t learn if they’re hungry, scared, or suffering. I’ll fight for funding to increase mental health counselors and school psychologists on campuses, so that every student has access to emotional support and we can proactively address bullying, anxiety, or trauma. I will also push to expand nutrition programs like healthy school breakfasts and lunches for all children, because hunger has no place in the classroom. And as detailed in the gun violence section, I support investing in violence prevention and counseling rather than turning schools into fortresses. Let’s secure schools by supporting students, not by arming teachers.&nbsp;• Make higher education and job training affordable. In the 21st century, a high school diploma is often not enough but a four-year college or a skilled trade program should not require crushing debt. I’ll work to make community colleges and public trade schools tuition-free, ensuring everyone can access at least two years of post-secondary training without cost. For four-year universities, I’ll fight to dramatically increase Pell Grants and other federal aid so that students from working- and middle-class families can attend college debt-free. I also support cancelling existing student loan debt, especially for borrowers who were preyed upon by predatory for-profit colleges or those who have been making payments for decades. And for those not on a college path, let’s expand union apprenticeships and technical education partnerships with high schools and community colleges, so young people can step into good-paying trades. Higher education in all forms is an investment in our economy and our people – we must treat it as such.&nbsp;Our students are not just future workers; they are future leaders, innovators, and citizens. It’s time we invest in them like it. As someone who has walked the halls of our public schools and benefited from great teachers, I will have the backs of students and educators every single day. When we invest in students, we invest in our future and I’m all in on doing just that.

I am a proud product of Illinois public schools, from elementary school all the way through NIU. I know firsthand that teachers are miracle workers who often do so much with so few resources. I know that a great public education can open the door to opportunity, because it did for me. Today, our public schools remain the beating heart of our communities, urban and rural alike. But they’re under...

Public Education

We live so much of our lives online from paying bills, applying for jobs, keeping in touch with loved ones; yet Big Tech companies have amassed alarming power over our data, our economy, and even our democracy. It’s time to reclaim the internet for the public good. Tech giants shouldn’t be allowed to invade our privacy, crush competitors, or spread disinformation without accountability. We need an internet that is open, safe, and equitable. One where our rights come before corporate profits. As a member of the generation that grew up with social media and smartphones, I know the incredible opportunities of the digital age, but I’ve also seen the harms: data breaches, online harassment, algorithm-driven extremism, and tech monopolies that stifle innovation. We must update our laws for the 21st century and build a digital future that empowers users and communities.&nbsp;Here’s how I’ll lead on tech and digital rights:&nbsp; • Pass a federal Digital Privacy Bill of Rights to give you control over your own data. Right now, tech companies treat our personal information like the Wild West. I will fight for a strong national privacy law ensuring clear consent and control: you should have the right to know what data is collected about you, to easily opt out, to forbid companies from selling your sensitive information (like your health or location data), and to demand deletion of your data.&nbsp;And if companies violate your privacy, there must be real consequences such as hefty fines and accountability, not a slap on the wrist.&nbsp;• Break up Big Tech monopolies when they abuse their power. Companies like Meta, “X”, Amazon, and Google have grown so dominant that they can crush small competitors, exploit workers, and even manipulate our information ecosystem with little oversight. I will work with regulators and use antitrust laws to investigate and break up tech conglomerates that act like monopolies. A free market should actually be free meaning startups and alternative platforms have a fair shot, and no single corporation controls the flow of information or online commerce.&nbsp;• Restore net neutrality. The internet should be an even playing field where all websites and services load at the same speed for everyone. I’ll push to enshrine net neutrality rules that forbid internet providers from throttling, blocking, or charging extra for certain content. Your broadband company shouldn’t get to decide which sites you can access or extort your favorite streaming service for extra fees. An open internet is essential for free expression and innovation.&nbsp;• Protect young people online. Growing up with social media, I’ve seen how algorithms can harm our mental health and how predators can lurk online. I support common-sense regulations on social media platforms to safeguard children and teens. For example, setting robust standards for content moderation to remove hate and harassment, curbing addictive algorithm-driven feeds, and researching the impacts of social media on youth well-being. I will champion funding for digital literacy and mental health resources in schools, and hold platforms accountable if they knowingly endanger kids for profit.&nbsp;• Modernize antitrust and labor laws for the digital age. Tech giants not only dominate markets, they often exploit gig workers and dodge taxes. I’ll fight to update our antitrust framework so that mergers like Meta buying Instagram, which eliminated competition get proper scrutiny. And I’ll support giving gig workers (like rideshare drivers and delivery workers) basic labor protections and the right to organize. We must ensure the tech economy doesn’t become a race to the bottom for workers or an unchecked monopoly for a few CEOs.&nbsp;Tech should work for people, not the other way around. I’ll make sure the next generation grows up in a digital world that is safer, freer, and more accountable. An internet that respects our privacy, rewards innovation, and empowers users is possible but only if we have leaders willing to stand up to Big Tech and write the rules in the public’s interest.

We live so much of our lives online from paying bills, applying for jobs, keeping in touch with loved ones; yet Big Tech companies have amassed alarming power over our data, our economy, and even our democracy. It’s time to reclaim the internet for the public good. Tech giants shouldn’t be allowed to invade our privacy, crush competitors, or spread disinformation without accountability. We need...

Digital Freedom and Tech Accountability

Every dollar counts here in IL‑17. From Rockford’s west side to the farmlands outside Peoria, working families are stretched thinner than ever. Grocery prices have jumped faster here than the national average, and winter heating bills bite down hard. Yet wages have barely moved since 2019, forcing too many of our neighbors to choose between food, childcare, and medical care. Nearly 18% of our district lives below the poverty line, and more than one in four renters spends over 30% of their income on rent. These aren’t abstract statistics, they’re single moms skipping meals, seniors rationing medication, and young parents juggling multiple jobs just to get by. Our economy should serve everyone who helps build it, not just those at the top. We must attack the&nbsp;root causes of rising costs, put more money back in people’s pockets, and build an economy where no one is left behind.Here’s what I’ll fight for:&nbsp; • Raise the federal minimum wage to $20 an hour, indexed to inflation. Full-time work should guarantee real economic security in 2025 and beyond. A $20 minimum wage reflects the true cost of living and would deliver long-overdue relief to the retail workers, servers, caregivers, and so many others who keep our communities running. No one who works hard should be forced to live in poverty.• Crack down on corporate price gouging and monopolies in essential industries. Enough is enough. No more letting giant corporations gouge us at the grocery store, at the gas pump, or on our utility bills while CEOs line their pockets. It’s time to enforce antitrust laws aggressively: break up corporate concentration in groceries, energy, and other sectors, and pass a windfall profits tax on companies that are squeezing consumers. I will push the FTC and DOJ to put real teeth into going after big corporations that jack up prices on everyday necessities.&nbsp;• Tax relief and assistance for working families. I’ll fight to expand programs that make life affordable: universal free school meals so no child goes hungry at school, increased SNAP nutrition benefits for families in need, and a federal child care subsidy that caps childcare costs at no more than 7% of a family’s income. No parent should have to quit their job because childcare costs more than their paycheck.&nbsp;• Invest in communities too often left behind. That means bringing reliable, affordable broadband internet to every corner of IL-17 from small towns to farming communities because internet access is a necessity for education, business, and daily life. It also means strengthening both digital and physical infrastructure so that rural and suburban communities can thrive in the modern economy.&nbsp;• Guarantee paid family and medical leave for all. No one should have to risk their job or paycheck to care for a newborn baby, recover from surgery, or look after an ailing parent. I support guaranteeing at least six months of paid family and medical leave so workers can take the time they need without sacrificing their livelihood. Family comes first, and our policies must reflect that.&nbsp;

Every dollar counts here in IL‑17. From Rockford’s west side to the farmlands outside Peoria, working families are stretched thinner than ever. Grocery prices have jumped faster here than the national average, and winter heating bills bite down hard. Yet wages have barely moved since 2019, forcing too many of our neighbors to choose between food, childcare, and medical care. Nearly 18% of our...

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Cost of living and Economic Justice

Investing in Our Backbone&nbsp; IL-17’s farmers and rural communities are a cornerstone of our economy and our heritage. From the dairy farms of Stephenson County to the cornfields of Knox County, family farmers feed our nation and fuel our communities. Yet our farmers face mounting challenges: chaotic trade wars&nbsp;that closed off markets, corporate monopolies driving down farm prices and driving up costs, climate-fueled floods and droughts threatening crops, and rural towns struggling to keep young people from leaving. For too long, rural America has been treated as an afterthought or a political pawn. I come from a family that understands the rhythms of the land, and I know that when our rural communities thrive, our entire country thrives. In Congress, I will make sure the voices of farmers, farmworkers, and rural small business owners are heard loud and clear. We need policies that provide stability, fairness, and opportunity on the rural front lines.&nbsp;I’ll fight for a New Deal for rural America, including:&nbsp; • Empower small and mid-sized farmers with a “Farmers First” agenda. I will introduce and push for a Farmers First Act to ensure fair prices and support for family farms. This means expanding access to USDA loans and grants for small farms, strengthening crop insurance and disaster aid for family operations, and funding regional food processing and distribution hubs so farmers aren’t at the mercy of a few big meatpackers or grain buyers. Let’s level the playing field so independent farmers can compete and thrive.&nbsp;• Protect farmers from trade wars and market chaos. The last administration’s erratic trade wars hurt Illinois farmers badly when export markets for soybeans and pork dried up. I’ll establish a Farm Market Recovery Fund to shield farmers from tariff whiplash and trade disruptions which will aim at providing emergency assistance whenever Washington’s trade policies (or geopolitical conflicts) undercut our agricultural exports. Farmers shouldn’t go bankrupt because of political games.&nbsp;• Reward conservation and climate-smart farming. Farmers are also stewards of our land and water. I’ll expand and fully fund programs that pay farmers to adopt conservation practices like cover cropping, reduced tillage, and buffer strips that prevent runoff. We should invest in initiatives that help farmers capture carbon in their soil, protect pollinators, and make agriculture more sustainable. These practices fight climate change and often improve long-term yields, a win-win that deserves federal support.&nbsp;• Break up Big Ag monopolies. It’s time to enforce antitrust laws in agriculture. A handful of giant companies control seeds, fertilizer, meat processing, and grain trading which are squeezing farmers from all sides. I will work to break up these monopolies and stop corporate abuses, whether it’s Big Meat colluding to keep livestock prices low or Big Seed suing farmers for saving seeds. We need a competitive marketplace where farmers have power, not just corporate middlemen.&nbsp;• Invest in rural infrastructure and connectivity. Rural communities deserve 21st-century infrastructure. I’ll fight for robust funding to repair rural roads and bridges, modernize the locks and dams our grain barges depend on, and expand rural broadband and cell service. I’ll also push for a new era of rural electrification: support for community solar, wind, and biofuel projects that create energy independence and local jobs. From clean water systems to high-speed internet, I’ll work to ensure rural towns have the tools to attract businesses and young families.&nbsp;• Lift up the next generation of farmers. To keep American agriculture thriving, we must help new farmers get started, especially young people, women, veterans, and farmers of color who have historically faced barriers. I support funding for apprenticeship and mentorship programs in farming, grants for first-time farmers to acquire land and equipment, and more technical assistance through USDA extension offices. We should make it easier, not harder, for passionate folks to get a foothold in farming without taking on crippling debt.&nbsp;When rural America prospers, all of America prospers. I will never ignore the needs of our farms, small towns, and rural families; they are the backbone of IL-17 and of our nation. I’ll work to bring opportunity back to rural communities so future generations can choose to stay, work, and raise their families in the places they love.&nbsp;

Investing in Our Backbone&nbsp;IL-17’s farmers and rural communities are a cornerstone of our economy and our heritage. From the dairy farms of Stephenson County to the cornfields of Knox County, family farmers feed our nation and fuel our communities. Yet our farmers face mounting challenges: chaotic trade wars&nbsp;that closed off markets, corporate monopolies driving down farm prices and driving up...

Agriculture and Rural Prosperity

Our democracy is under attack not just from foreign interference, but from insiders who undermine it with dark money, voter suppression, and outright extremism. In recent years, we have witnessed a campaign of lies about our elections, unprecedented attempts to overturn the will of the people, and a concerted push to make it harder for Americans to vote. We cannot take our democracy for granted. Democracy is not a guarantee; it’s a fight. And we must fight to rebuild it stronger, fairer, and more representative than ever before. Illinois has generally led on voting access, but even here we’re not immune to the corrosive influence of big money or gerrymandering. Meanwhile, across the country, Trump-aligned politicians are working to sabotage election administration and stoke distrust in voting itself. As someone who believes deeply in the power of the people, I will champion reforms that put everyday citizens back at the center of our political system. Let’s return power to the people where it belongs.&nbsp;I will fight to defend and expand democracy through measures such as:• Restore the Voting Rights Act by passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. We need to revive the protections that were gutted by the Supreme Court. This act would require states with a history of voter discrimination to pre-clear changes to voting laws, stopping new voter suppression tactics before they can hurt people. It would also establish nationwide standards to guard against racially biased voting rules. No more purging voters for no reason, no more racial gerrymandering that dilutes minority votes. Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy, and I’ll ensure federal oversight is in place to protect it.&nbsp;• Enact the Freedom to Vote Act for nationwide voting access. I support this comprehensive bill to set basic national standards for elections. That means guaranteed early voting in every state, no-excuse vote-by-mail options for all, automatic voter registration when you turn 18 or interact with the DMV, and making Election Day a federal holiday. It also means preventing extremist partisans from taking over election boards. Your ability to vote shouldn’t depend on what state you live in. Every American deserves convenient, secure voting methods and confidence that their vote will be counted. We saw record turnout in 2020 thanks to expanded mail voting; let’s build on that success, not roll it back.&nbsp; • Get big money out of politics. Our democracy should not be for sale to the highest bidder. The Citizens United ruling opened the floodgates for billionaires and special interests to pour dark money into our elections, drowning out the voices of regular people. I will fight to overturn Citizens United whether through a constitutional amendment or by confirming Supreme Court justices who will revisit it and push for robust public financing of campaigns. Additionally, I’ll support immediate steps like the DISCLOSE Act to force Super PACs to reveal their donors, and banning corporate PAC donations to candidates. Another critical reform: ban members of Congress from trading stocks while in office. It’s a grotesque conflict of interest that some politicians profit off insider knowledge. I will back legislation to prohibit members (and their immediate family) from stock trading so they focus on the public interest, not their portfolios.&nbsp;• End partisan gerrymandering. Voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around. I will advocate for independent redistricting commissions to draw congressional districts, taking that power out of the hands of self-interested legislators. Where commissions aren’t feasible yet, I’ll push for strict criteria to eliminate the bizarre, biased maps that undermine fair representation. Our own state of Illinois has seen gerrymandering from both parties and it needs to stop. Fair maps lead to fair representation. Ultimately, I’d like to see multi-member districts with ranked-choice voting to truly give voters more choice and power, but independent redistricting is a vital first step.&nbsp;• Protect election workers and democratic institutions. In the wake of 2020, local election officials and poll workers faced horrific threats simply for doing their jobs. We must shield the people who make our elections run. I will back federal penalties for those who harass or threaten election workers, and grants to help states bolster security for ballot counting and certification. I will also resist any attempt by extremists to subvert the Electoral College process. For example, I support the reforms to the Electoral Count Act (passed in 2022) that clarify the Vice President’s role as purely ceremonial and ensure each state’s legitimate electors are honored. Additionally, I support steps to depoliticize the administration of elections. Election officials should be nonpartisan professionals, not candidates with a stake in the outcome.&nbsp;• Bring fresh voices to Washington (shocker I know)! This can be accomplished through term limits and anti-corruption measures. To truly return power to the people, we need to break the iron grip of incumbency and special interests. I support exploring term limits for Members of Congress (for example, 12 years in the House and 12 in the Senate). Public service shouldn’t be a decades-long sinecure; bringing in new voices can help keep Congress more responsive. Alongside term limits, I want stricter ethics rules: close the revolving door so ex-lawmakers can’t immediately become lobbyists, and enforce conflict-of-interest rules vigorously. Leadership should be earned through service and ideas, not just accumulated through seniority and fundraising connections.&nbsp;Democracy is what makes everything else possible. If we lose that – if people stop believing their vote matters or that their government listens, we lose the foundation of our country. I got into this race because I believe in the power of the people of IL-17. I’m here to fight for a system that represents everyone, not just the wealthy and well-connected. Democracy is not self-executing; it survives only if we defend it. I am ready to defend it with everything I’ve got, and to ensure that the voices of regular folks are heard loud and clear in the halls of Congress.&nbsp;

Our democracy is under attack not just from foreign interference, but from insiders who undermine it with dark money, voter suppression, and outright extremism. In recent years, we have witnessed a campaign of lies about our elections, unprecedented attempts to overturn the will of the people, and a concerted push to make it harder for Americans to vote. We cannot take our democracy for granted...

Democracy, Voting Access, and Reform

The housing crisis isn’t just an urban problem, it’s hitting communities across IL-17. Over 35% of renters in our district spend more than 30% of their income on rent, and Illinois ranks among the top states for mortgage foreclosures. A home is the foundation for work, school, and health, and when that foundation is shaky, everything else can crumble. I believe housing is a human right and a public good, not a luxury or a speculative asset. Too many families are still one financial setback away from losing their home. A safe, affordable place to live should be a basic guarantee for every family, not a privilege for the few. When housing costs force people to choose between paying rent and buying medicine, or when young families give up hope of owning a home, our entire community suffers. We need bold action to ensure everyone can find a stable, affordable home and build a better life.I will fight to:&nbsp; • Repeal the Faircloth Amendment and launch a massive affordable housing boom. It’s long past time to lift the ban on building new public housing. I’ll push for a New Deal–scale housing program to construct and rehabilitate affordable homes including public housing, nonprofit housing, and community land trusts that stay affordable permanently. We can create jobs and ensure everyone has a place to live, all at once.&nbsp;• Invest in rural and small-town housing. In many small communities, housing stock is aging or inadequate. I’ll secure funding to upgrade critical utilities such as water, sewer, and broadband and to build or refurbish quality housing in rural Illinois. Your zip code shouldn’t doom you to substandard housing. Let’s make our small towns more livable and attractive for the next generation.&nbsp;• Defend renters rights. I support a National Tenants Bill of Rights to protect renters from unjust evictions and outrageous rent hikes. We should encourage reasonable limits on rent increases and fund eviction prevention and legal aid programs so that one missed paycheck doesn’t spiral into homelessness. No one should be thrown out on the street because they fell on hard times.&nbsp;• Support first-time and first-generation homebuyers. Owning a home remains a key path to generational wealth, but too many working families, many of color have been locked out. I’ll champion down payment assistance and federal grants for first-generation homebuyers, and work with HUD to expand access to affordable mortgages. If you’ve worked hard and saved responsibly, we’ll help you buy that starter home and put down roots.&nbsp;• Promote inclusive zoning and a mix of housing options. I will incentivize communities to adopt zoning laws that allow a true mix of housing types from apartment buildings to duplexes to in-law suites. Breaking down exclusionary zoning will increase housing supply, lower costs, and create more integrated, vibrant neighborhoods.&nbsp;• Prevent foreclosures and keep families in their homes. I’ll fight for robust foreclosure prevention programs, from funding housing counselors who help homeowners restructure loans, to temporary foreclosure moratoriums during economic crises. We need emergency support funds to assist families facing job loss or medical bills so they can stay&nbsp;current on their mortgages. Nobody wins when a family loses their home; we must do more to intervene before it’s too late.&nbsp;Housing is about dignity, stability, and the freedom to plant roots and thrive. I will work tirelessly to ensure every family in IL-17 can afford to live securely and decently, whether they rent or own, in a city or on a farm.&nbsp;

The housing crisis isn’t just an urban problem, it’s hitting communities across IL-17. Over 35% of renters in our district spend more than 30% of their income on rent, and Illinois ranks among the top states for mortgage foreclosures. A home is the foundation for work, school, and health, and when that foundation is shaky, everything else can crumble.

Affordable Housing: Stability and Opportunity

I’m running for Congress because I believe everyone no matter your race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, income, or zip code deserves dignity, safety, and opportunity. America’s story is one of expanding the circle of “We the People,” of movements that fought to include those who were once excluded. But right now, we’re seeing a dangerous backlash. Too many of our neighbors are being told by extremist politicians and pundits that they don’t belong. We see it in the attacks on LGBTQ+ youth who are just trying to live as themselves. We see it in efforts to erase Black history and ban books in our schools. We see women’s rights under assault, rising antisemitism and anti-Asian hate, and attempts to strip away hard-won civil rights protections. This is a perilous moment for equality in America, and neutrality is not an option. I won’t just speak up against hate and bigotry. I’ll stand up and take action to ensure all people are valued and protected under the law.Here’s what I’ll fight for:&nbsp;• Enshrine LGBTQ+ protections into federal law. It’s past time to pass the Equality Act, which would explicitly outlaw discrimination against LGBTQ+ Americans in employment, housing, education, credit, and public accommodations. No one should be fired or denied an apartment or refused service because of who they are or whom they love. I will make this a top priority. Love is love, and everyone deserves equal protection under the law.&nbsp;• Defend transgender youth and LGBTQ+ families. I will vehemently oppose the wave of hateful laws targeting trans and non-binary youth. These laws whether they ban&nbsp;gender-affirming care, bar trans kids from sports, or force teachers to out LGBTQ+ students are cruel and have no place in a free society. I’ll use my platform to affirm that trans rights are human rights, and I’ll support legislation that protects trans people’s right to health care, to safe schools, and to live openly without discrimination. We must also ban so-called “conversion therapy” nationwide. A pseudoscientific torture that has no place in America and invest in mental health services for LGBTQ+ youth, who face higher risks of suicide and homelessness due to stigma.&nbsp;• Strengthen civil rights enforcement and hate crime prevention. I will work to restore and expand the Voting Rights Act (in addition to the democracy reforms below) because equality at the ballot box is foundational. I’ll also push for vigorous enforcement of the Civil Rights Act in workplaces and schools including boosting the budgets of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the EEOC. To confront the surge in hate crimes, we need better tracking and tougher responses: I’ll support grants to help local law enforcement prevent and prosecute hate-based violence, as well as community programs that foster dialogue and reconciliation. No one should live in fear because of who they are.&nbsp;• Advance disability rights and inclusion. Disability rights are human rights. I’ll fight to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to support students with disabilities, and eliminate loopholes that still allow paying disabled workers less than a fair wage. I’ll also champion making public infrastructure accessible from transit stations to housing by enforcing and updating the ADA, and expand programs that help people with disabilities live independently and access employment. Every person deserves the chance to participate fully in society.&nbsp;• Ensure equal access to healthcare, education, and opportunity for all marginalized communities. We must break down the historic barriers that communities of color, women, and others have faced. That means fighting maternal mortality disparities (as noted above), but also supporting minority-owned small businesses with access to capital, ensuring multilingual access to government services, and addressing racial bias in everything from mortgage lending to policing. I will support efforts to diversify our teaching workforce and incorporate ethnic studies in education so that every kid sees their heritage respected. I’ll also back policies like robust equal pay laws to close wage gaps (women in Illinois still earn only ~78¢ for every $1 a man earns) and strong enforcement of Title IX to protect gender equity in education.&nbsp;Equality isn’t about erasing our differences. It’s about embracing the inherent worth of every person. In IL-17, I want every community to know: You are seen. You are valued. And you deserve a voice at the table. We rise or fall together, and I will never stop fighting for a society where everyone can live openly and safely, free from discrimination and bigotry.

I’m running for Congress because I believe everyone no matter your race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, income, or zip code deserves dignity, safety, and opportunity. America’s story is one of expanding the circle of “We the People,” of movements that fought to include those who were once excluded. But right now, we’re seeing a dangerous backlash. Too many of our neighbors are being...

Equality and Human Rights

<h4>Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid: Protecting Our Promise&nbsp;</h4>Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are not “entitlements”. Period. They are earned benefits, a sacred promise we’ve made to our people. Over two million Illinoisans rely on Social Security, including tens of thousands right here in our district who count on it for every trip to the grocery store. Thousands more depend on Medicare and Medicaid to stay healthy. These are not handouts; they are promises made after decades of hard work. Any attempt to cut or weaken these lifelines is a betrayal of the trust between our country and its people. Yet too many politicians in Washington talk about Social Security and Medicare as if they’re just line items to trim or privatize. Let me be clear: we will not balance the budget on the backs of our seniors and our most vulnerable. We must strengthen these programs, not cut them. This ensures they’re solvent, expanded, and there for everyone who needs them, now and for generations to come.As your representative, I will support:• Absolutely no cuts or higher retirement ages for Social Security and Medicare. We will not stand for backdoor cuts or sneaky “reforms” that force people to work into their 70s or quietly reduce benefits. Our parents and grandparents earned their Social Security through a lifetime of hard work. I’ll vote against any scheme whether it’s raising the retirement age or any underhanded budget trick that breaks the promise made to our seniors.&nbsp;• Make the wealthy pay their fair share into Social Security. Right now, millionaires and billionaires stop paying Social Security taxes on any income above roughly $160,000 – meaning a billionaire pays not a dime more while working people pay on all of their wages. That’s absurd. I will fight to scrap the payroll tax cap so the rich contribute their fair share. This single move can secure Social Security’s solvency indefinitely and even allow us to increase benefits. A teacher or truck driver shouldn’t pay a higher percentage of their income than a hedge fund CEO.&nbsp;• Expand Medicare to cover dental, vision, and hearing. Basic health needs don’t stop at age 65. It’s time Medicare fully covered routine dental checkups, eyeglasses and vision care, and hearing aids. No senior in IL-17 or anywhere should go without care for their teeth, eyes, or ears due to cost. These are healthcare necessities, and adding them to Medicare will dramatically improve quality of life for millions.&nbsp;• Fully fund Medicaid and reject cruel restrictions. I will fight any attempt to slash Medicaid or impose punitive work requirements that would kick vulnerable people off healthcare. Medicaid provides essential care for low-income families, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. In Congress, I’ll push to increase federal Medicaid funding to states and close coverage gaps, not shrink this lifeline. Health care is a human right, and it shouldn’t depend on your income or your ability to work.&nbsp;• Make benefits easy to access and navigate. It’s not enough to have these programs on paper. People need to be able to use them without jumping through hoops. I’ll work to simplify enrollment for Social Security and Medicare and improve outreach so every eligible person in IL-17 (especially in rural and underserved areas) knows how to get the benefits they’ve earned. That means investing in Social Security Administration field offices (not closing them) and better customer service, including assistance in multiple languages.&nbsp;We honor our parents, grandparents, and veterans by keeping our promises to them. I’ll stand guard against any attempt to undermine Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid and I’ll work to expand these programs so that every American can retire and live with security and dignity.

Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are not “entitlements”. Period. They are earned benefits, a sacred promise we’ve made to our people. Over two million Illinoisans rely on Social Security, including tens of thousands right here in our district who count on it for every trip to the grocery store. Thousands more depend on Medicare and Medicaid to stay healthy. These are not handouts; they...

Defending our earned benefits

We are the generation that grew up with active shooter drills. I’ll never forget crouching under a desk as a student, wondering if that day might be the day a shooter came to our school. We’ve lost classmates, neighbors, and friends to senseless gun violence. We’ve learned to live with fear in places that should be safe from schools and movie theaters to grocery stores and places of worship. And we’re done accepting this as normal. Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for American children and teens, surpassing even car accidents. That is not freedom – that is a public health crisis and a moral failure. I respect responsible gun owners; I know many here in Illinois who are hunters or keep firearms for self-defense. The Second Amendment is part of our Constitution. But rights come with responsibilities, and we can uphold the Second Amendment while enacting common-sense measures to keep our kids and communities safe. This isn’t about taking away rights; it’s about protecting lives. I refuse to let the next generation grow up thinking that mass shootings and daily bloodshed are just the way things have to be. We have the power to change this, and my generation is demanding it loud and clear.Here’s what I’ll fight for in Congress:&nbsp;• Universal background checks on all gun sales. It’s simple: every firearm purchase should require a background check, no matter where or from whom you buy. Right now, loopholes allow private sales at gun shows or online to bypass checks. Over 85% of Americans including the vast majority of gun owners support universal background checks as basic due diligence. If we require a license to drive a car, we can require a background check to buy a gun. No more excuses, no more loopholes, this is common sense to keep guns out of the hands of felons, domestic abusers, and those legally adjudicated a danger.&nbsp;• Ban weapons of war and high-capacity magazines. I support reinstating and strengthening the federal Assault Weapons Ban. AR-15s and similar semi-automatic rifles, especially when coupled with high-capacity magazines. These weapons have no place on our streets or in civilian hands. They are designed to kill as many people as quickly as possible; we’ve seen it time and again in school and mall shootings. It’s time to stop selling these weapons of war to the public. I’ll also push to ban magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. No hunter or homeowner needs 30 or 50 rounds at their disposal, but mass shooters have repeatedly used such magazines to inflict maximum carnage. These measures will save lives, full stop.&nbsp;• Pass the Safe Futures Act (counselors not guns in schools). You shouldn’t have to walk through a metal detector to get an education. Instead of turning our schools into fortresses, let’s address the problem at its roots. I’m proposing the Safe Futures Act, which will make schools and communities safer by investing in care, not just security. This bill will fund more school counselors, psychologists, and social workers especially in areas where trauma is high and resources are low so that we can identify and help troubled youth before they turn to violence. It will expand mentorship and peer mediation programs, giving students outlets and support. And yes, it will improve basic safety infrastructure in schools (like secure doors and alarm systems) without militarizing the environment. We will put federal dollars behind community organizations doing the real work to interrupt violence from youth job programs to mental health clinics. The goal is simple: make safety something we build every day, not just something we scramble for when it’s too late.&nbsp;• Promote safe storage and responsible gun ownership. Many firearm deaths, including youth suicides and accidental shootings happen because guns aren’t stored securely. I will champion programs to distribute free or subsidized gun safes and trigger locks to anyone who needs them. I’ll also support public education campaigns about safe storage practices. Additionally, I back strong “red flag” laws (extreme risk protection orders) that allow family members or law enforcement to temporarily remove guns from someone showing violent or suicidal behavior (with due process protections). Responsible gun ownership means taking steps to ensure guns never fall into the wrong hands or cause unintended tragedy.&nbsp;• Invest in community violence intervention. Stopping mass shootings is critical, but so is tackling the daily toll of gun violence that doesn’t make national headlines. In our own communities, gun violence is a chronic issue often tied to cycles of poverty, trauma, and lack of opportunity. I will fight for major federal grants to support community-led violence interruption programs such as initiatives that send trained counselors and mediators (often ex-offenders or respected community members) into conflict hotspots to defuse tensions before shots are fired. I’ll push for funding for youth job programs, after-school activities, and mentorship in neighborhoods hardest-hit by violence. When young people have hope and pathways to success, when conflicts are mediated and guns are taken out of the equation, we can break the cycle. This approach has worked in cities that have tried it; let’s scale it up nationally.&nbsp;I also know this fight is personal for so many of us. I carry with me the story of friends who’ve lost loved ones and the memory of every vigil I’ve attended. I won’t rest until we do what’s right. Enough is enough. Our kids deserve to grow up free from fear. Our communities deserve to be safe. We can respect the Second Amendment and enact sensible reforms – the two are not in conflict. My generation calls B.S. on the idea that “nothing can be done.” We will not let Washington off the hook. I’ll bring the full force of our movement to Congress to finally address gun violence with the urgency and courage this crisis demands.&nbsp;

We are the generation that grew up with active shooter drills. I’ll never forget crouching under a desk as a student, wondering if that day might be the day a shooter came to our school. We’ve lost classmates, neighbors, and friends to senseless gun violence. We’ve learned to live with fear in places that should be safe from schools and movie theaters to grocery stores and places of worship.

Gun Violence Prevention

ROCKFORD, Ill. — A Rockford native is running for the U.S. House of Representatives in Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Montez Soliz announced his candidacy earlier this year. In a press release, he called the race "a turning point for a generation ready to lead, ready to act, and ready to build a future we all deserve.”

Rockford native running for Congress in Illinois' 17th District

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Young Democrats are flooding the midterm primaries, and even two term incumbent U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen isn’t safe from a challenge.Montez Soliz is a 24-year-old Rockford man who graduated from Nothern Illinois University. He hasn’t held an elected position before, but he’s no stranger to politics.“I’ve been civically engaged early as I can remember,” he said. “Hearing the concerns and worries that our people are going through, whether it’s education, equity or economic justice, we need a representative that truly represents our district.”

On the Record: 24-year-old Democrat challenges Sorensen

It used to be that incumbent U.S. House members in swing districts usually didn't get challenged in primaries by members of their own party. That truism has eroded in recent years, as political polarization is prompting more primaries from the left or right of sitting office holders.The Rockford native said he's running against Democratic U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen in the March primary for the 17th Congressional District in Illinois.

Young Democrat Montez Soliz to challenge incumbent Eric Sorensen in 17th District primary

ROCKFORD, Ill. (KWQC) -&nbsp;Montez Soliz&nbsp;of Rockford announced his campaign on Monday to run for the&nbsp;Illinois’ 17th Congressional District&nbsp;as a Democrat.The seat is held by a fellow Rockford native, Eric Sorensen, since 2023.In a media release, Soliz said the race is “a turning point for a generation ready to lead, ready to act, and ready to build a future we all deserve.”

Rockford native to run for Illinois 17th District

Immigration isn’t just a policy issue for me; it’s personal. As the Afro-Latino child of an immigrant family, I’ve lived the story of the American Dream. And I’ve seen how our broken immigration system hurts real people: the farmworkers in our fields, the DREAMer students in our colleges, the nurses, engineers, and small business owners who are our neighbors. IL-17’s communities are living proof that America’s strength has always been rooted in immigration. From the dairy farms and produce markets to our tech firms and hospitals, immigrants are helping build our future. Yet what do they get in return? Decades-old laws that don’t meet our needs, constant fear of upheaval, and a political football game in Washington that never results in meaningful change. We deserve an immigration system that reflects our values, not our fears – one that treats people with dignity and commonsense. Enough with using immigrants as scapegoats. It’s time for solutions that uphold America’s legacy as a nation of immigrants and laws.Here’s what I’ll lead on:&nbsp; • Protect DREAMers and give them a path to citizenship. Young people brought here as children, our friends, classmates, and coworkers are American in every way except on paper. It’s cruel and economically foolish to keep their lives in limbo. I will introduce or support comprehensive legislation that permanently shields DREAMers from deportation and provides a direct, earned path to citizenship. This means not just reinstating DACA protections, but codifying them into law so they can’t be stripped away by any president’s whims. DREAMers have grown up here, attended our schools, started careers, even served in our military. They deserve the stability and recognition of citizenship.&nbsp;• Fix legal immigration and reduce backlogs. Those trying to come here the “right way” face a system that is backlogged and decades out of date. Families are separated for years, and employers can’t hire the talent they need. I’ll work to modernize and streamline our legal immigration process: significantly increase processing capacity at USCIS (hire more staff, improve technology), recapture visas that went unused due to bureaucratic delays, and raise outdated visa caps for both family reunification and high-demand employment categories. No family should be stuck waiting 20 years to reunite with a parent or sibling because of quota backlogs. We need to align legal immigration pathways with today’s realities – and by smoothing the legal path, we’ll also reduce pressure on unauthorized routes.&nbsp;• Create an earned pathway to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants. We have millions of immigrants who have lived here for years, built lives, paid taxes, and contributed to our communities, yet remain undocumented. Mass deportation is neither feasible nor humane. I support a rigorous but fair pathway to citizenship: applicants would pass background checks, pay a reasonable fee, show work history or community contributions, and then be able to earn legal status and eventually citizenship over a period of years. Bringing people out of the shadows will boost our economy (through more taxpaying workers and entrepreneurs) and uphold our values.&nbsp;• Manage the border smartly and humanely. We can have a secure border without sacrificing our values. I’ll advocate for smart border management: invest in modern technology and well-trained personnel to intercept illegal activity like drug smuggling, while also vastly improving our handling of asylum seekers and families. We must end policies that criminalize people fleeing violence as seeking asylum is a legal right. Instead of border chaos or cruelty, I propose significantly expanding our asylum processing capacity: hire more asylum officers and judges to review claims promptly, provide humane shelters and case management for families while cases are pending, and partner with nonprofits who can help. We must also end practices like family separation and inhumane detention conditions, policies which betray the very true values of our country. By investing in orderly processing and treating migrants fairly, we can secure the border and uphold both our laws and our principles.• Protect immigrant workers from exploitation. From the corn fields to the restaurant kitchens, undocumented workers are often the backbone of entire industries yet their vulnerable status lets bad employers abuse them and undercut wages for everyone. I’ll fight to&nbsp;strengthen labor protections for immigrant workers. That means enforcing labor laws (wage, safety, overtime) regardless of a worker’s status; if you report unsafe conditions or wage theft, you should be protected from retaliation or deportation. I’ll support giving immigrants who blow the whistle on abusive employers temporary status or visas. We must punish the corporations that exploit immigrant labor, not the workers seeking a better life. By ending the shadow economy of underpaid labor, we’ll raise wages and improve conditions for all workers. Everyone deserves a fair wage and safe working conditions – no exceptions.&nbsp;This issue isn’t about “us vs. them” and rather about all of us. Immigrants are part of our American family. When we allow them to live and work freely, without fear, our communities and our economy thrive. I will never stop fighting for an immigration system rooted in dignity, fairness, and common sense – one that honors our history as a nation of immigrants and keeps the American Dream alive for generations to come.

Immigration isn’t just a policy issue for me; it’s personal. As the Afro-Latino child of an immigrant family, I’ve lived the story of the American Dream. And I’ve seen how our broken immigration system hurts real people: the farmworkers in our fields, the DREAMer students in our colleges, the nurses, engineers, and small business owners who are our neighbors.

Immigration Reform

ROCKFORD, Ill. — A new candidate has entered the race for Congress in a local district.Montez Soliz is running for the US House of Representatives in Illinois' 17th Congressional District. He called the race "a turning point for a generation ready to lead, ready to act, and ready to build a future we all deserve.”Soliz says the public has to organize and fight for change, in a time where he says working families are facing higher costs of living and attacks on their rights.

"Fighting for Our Future Starts Now": Montez Soliz to run for Congress in Illinois' 17th District

When our veterans raised their hands to serve, they made a promise to protect us without hesitation. We must keep our promises to them when they come home. Too many veterans struggle to access the healthcare and benefits they were guaranteed. Some drive hours just to reach a VA clinic, or face months of backlog for their claims. Others battle invisible wounds like PTSD or addiction without adequate support, and far too many veterans find themselves homeless after sacrificing so much for us. This is unacceptable and we can and must do better. As the grandson of a veteran (and with many friends currently in the service), I take the obligation to care for those who wore the uniform very personally.&nbsp;To honor our veterans, I will work to:• Fully fund and strengthen the VA. A robust Veterans Affairs healthcare system is essential. I’ll fight for increased funding to hire more doctors, nurses, and specialists at VA hospitals and clinics, so that every veteran can get timely, quality care including mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and specialized care for injuries like traumatic brain injuries. We must also invest in modernizing VA facilities and technology. No more months-long waits or outdated clinics; veterans should get excellent care when and where they need it.&nbsp;• Bring care closer to home for veterans. I will expand mobile VA clinics and telehealth programs so that veterans in rural IL-17 don’t have to drive hours to get basic services. If a veteran in a small town needs a checkup, mental health counseling, or a prescription refill, they should be able to do that via a secure video call or a visiting clinic right in their community. Let’s meet veterans where they are as transportation or distance should never be a barrier to care.&nbsp;• End veteran homelessness once and for all. It is heartbreaking and unacceptable that any veteran is sleeping on the streets. I’ll support significantly expanding the HUD-VASH voucher program to subsidize housing for homeless veterans and pair them with case managers. We also need more transitional housing specifically for veterans, coupled with wraparound services like job training, mental health care, and addiction recovery programs. I will push for a “Housing First” approach for veterans providing a roof over their heads first, then address the challenges that contributed to their homelessness. These men and women served us; we must serve them and never abandon them or give them false promises.&nbsp;• Ease the transition to civilian life. Many struggles veterans face can be prevented with better transition support. I’ll advocate for improved Transition Assistance Programs (TAP) that connect servicemembers to education benefits, civilian job opportunities, and VA healthcare before they leave the military. I also support tax credits for businesses that hire veterans and expanded grants for veterans who want to start their own businesses. Whether a vet wants to pursue college, a trade, or entrepreneurship, we should help clear the path to their next chapter.&nbsp;Our veterans were there for us, often in the harshest conditions on earth. Now we need to be there for them. I’ll make sure that “thank you for your service” isn’t just a platitude, but is backed up by policies that actually serve our veterans with the honor, urgency, and respect they have earned.&nbsp;

When our veterans raised their hands to serve, they made a promise to protect us without hesitation. We must keep our promises to them when they come home. Too many veterans struggle to access the healthcare and benefits they were guaranteed. Some drive hours just to reach a VA clinic, or face months of backlog for their claims. Others battle invisible wounds like PTSD or addiction without...