Republican candidate Jillian Bernas and her team recently set out to meet and greet the constituents of state House District 56.
Bernas' campaign platform includes new leadership in the Illinois House of Representatives and reforms related to redistricting, education funding and pensions.
Jillian Rose Bernas is a former teacher who holds a master's degree in education and public policy.
| Contributed photo
"I'm running for state representative in this area, the 56th House District, and we're out walking today for our day of action," Bernas said. "I have my team out with me and we're just spreading the message of new leadership for our district. We're really looking forward to this day and getting to work for you."
While the citizen-initiated Independent Map Amendment was ruled unconstitutional and blocked from the November ballot, Bernas continues to support an independent redistricting commission that would place the map-drawing process in the hands of the people. Changing the district maps could change the results of elections by making them more competitive. Currently, many district seats are uncontested, which leaves voters without a choice of candidates during general elections.
Bernas, a former teacher with a master's degree in education and public policy, also supports reforms in education funding. The state's financial woes affect both K-12 and higher education funding. She said that education dollars should follow children and not bureaucracies.
In addition to funding reform, Bernas supports structural reforms in the state's systems, including pension reform. She also supports cost-saving measures and paying down debt in order to produce a successfully balanced budget.
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