This month, I had the privilege of attending the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) in Boston. It was an opportunity to learn how to be a stronger voice and leader for the 37th District.
While there, I connected with state lawmakers from across the country to discuss how they are tackling challenges in their communities. The most valuable part of the conference was participating in legislative learning sessions, some of which I chose based on feedback from all of you on my Facebook page.
One of the key sessions focused on housing and economic development. It is clearer than ever that Illinois faces a serious cost-of-living problem. It is simply too expensive to live here, with property taxes through the roof. We must pass legislation to make our state affordable again.
I also attended sessions on agriculture, where I learned about the growing impact of foreign influence on our food systems and the need for better management. Another topic that hit close to home was rising energy costs. We discussed solutions, including nuclear energy, to help bring those costs down for families and businesses.
This trip was not just informative, it was energizing. I returned home with fresh ideas and a clearer vision for how to address the challenges facing our district and state as I begin my sophomore year as a legislator.