Issues

Jen earned an A+ rating from the Gun Violence Prevention Action Committee for her leadership on legislation that makes our communities safer. She played a key role in passing life-saving reforms, including Fix the FOID and Block Illegal Gun Ownership (BIO), which expanded background checks and cracked down on untraceable “ghost guns.”

Jen helped pass Illinois’ historic assault weapons ban and continues to lead efforts to keep dangerous firearms off our streets. She introduced and passed the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act (FIRA), holding gun manufacturers accountable for marketing practices that fuel real-world violence. She also championed Karina’s Law to help keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers.

Jen’s record is clear: she’s fighting to protect families and put public safety first.

Jen has been a steady voice for fiscal discipline and responsible budgeting since taking office in 2019. Over multiple budget cycles, she has helped pass a series of balanced budgets that reflect years of sustained, responsible governance and smart decision-making.

During her tenure, Illinois has earned multiple credit rating upgrades, built up a healthy Rainy Day Fund, and restored its long-term financial stability. The state is now paying its bills on time, has paid down billions in debt, and continues to save taxpayers money through early repayment of federal loans and other smart fiscal strategies.

Jen has also supported hard but necessary cost-saving measures resulting in hundreds of millions in budget reductions while consistently protecting critical investments in public education, healthcare, and public safety. These balanced budgets have delivered increased funding for public schools, greater support for safety-net hospitals and community health clinics, and higher wages for frontline healthcare workers. They’ve also preserved funding for community-based violence prevention programs that are making a difference on the ground.

Jen knows that fiscal responsibility isn’t just about balancing the books—it’s about smart, sustainable investments that move our state forward while protecting the services families rely on most.

Jennifer believes we have a responsibility to protect our natural resources and provide a healthy environment for all Illinoisans – today and for generations to come. She has been a strong advocate for environmental justice, conservation, and sustainability throughout her time in office.

As a proud supporter of the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), Jennifer helped put Illinois on a path to 100% renewable energy by 2045. This landmark legislation not only accelerates the transition to clean energy, but also includes strong utility accountability measures, such as new ethics standards and the creation of an independent oversight division to audit and enforce compliance.

Jennifer is committed to strengthening Illinois’ renewable energy systems and advancing policies that prioritize clean air, safe water, and the preservation of our wildlife and public lands. She supports smart investments in renewable resource practices that both combat climate change and create economic opportunity.

With federal environmental protections increasingly under threat, Jennifer remains resolute in fighting back against any attempts to weaken or roll back the progress we’ve made. She knows that sound environmental policy is essential – not only for our survival, but for a stronger, more sustainable economy.

Jennifer has spent her career fighting to ensure that the ladders of opportunity start with a strong, well-funded public education for every student in Illinois.

For too long, the state has underfunded public schools and shifted the burden to local property taxpayers—a broken system that shortchanges students and overburdens homeowners. Jennifer supports fully funding education at constitutionally required levels to bring greater equity to classrooms and meaningful property tax relief to families.

She is committed to directing limited state resources where they’re needed most: into classrooms, student support services, and the educators who power our public schools. Because strong schools build strong communities, and every student, regardless of zip code, deserves a chance to succeed.

Jennifer was also the lead sponsor of the landmark Teaching Equitable Asian American Community History (TEAACH) Act, which made Illinois the first state in the nation to require that Asian American history be taught in K–12 public schools. TEAACH helps ensure that every student learns a more complete and inclusive history—one that reflects the rich diversity of our state and our nation.

Mental health and substance use issues are problems in every community. Jen is approaching this problem from several directions, including empowering family members and holding health insurance companies accountable for unlawful discrimination and denial of care.

Mental health deserves the same attention and respect as physical health, but unfortunately many people feel stigmatized by seeking care. Jen is working with community advocates and stakeholders to de-stigmatize mental healthcare and encourage people to seek the help they need.

As an attorney with a Master’s in International Human Rights Law, Jennifer brings deep expertise and compassion to some of the most complex issues facing Illinois families. She has spent her career standing up for vulnerable communities—especially children and immigrants caught in legal limbo.

The granddaughter of Chinese immigrants who faced deportation under the Chinese Exclusion Acts, Jennifer understands firsthand the importance of building a state that welcomes diversity, protects human dignity, and defends equal rights under the law.

In Springfield, Jennifer has turned that commitment into action. She passed legislation to allow neglected, abused, and abandoned immigrant youth to apply for special visas and remain safely in Illinois. She also led the effort to pass legislation to create the Defenders for All program, expanding access to legal representation for Cook County residents in immigration court—because no one should face deportation proceedings alone simply because they cannot afford a lawyer.

As Chair of the House Judiciary – Civil Committee, Jennifer has also worked to expand civil rights protections for all Illinoisans. She passed laws to crack down on illegal discrimination in healthcare access, strengthen protections for abused and neglected children, and expand the Illinois Human Rights Act to protect the families of people with disabilities.

Jennifer’s record reflects her core belief: everyone deserves fairness, dignity, and opportunity—no matter where they come from or what challenges they face.

Jen is focused on helping our economy, our communities, and our families recover and thrive. She helped pass a balanced budget that led to Illinois’ credit rating being upgraded by all three rating agencies – Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P.

Jen has passed several pieces of legislation designed to bring new businesses and jobs to Illinois. These include extending the EDGE tax credit program for 5 years and allowing start-up businesses to qualify for the first time.

Additionally, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) passed last year includes many provisions to make Illinois a leader in clean energy – and clean energy jobs. CEJA includes workforce development programs to assist individuals to enter the clean energy workforce. The General Assembly passed the Reimagining Energy Vehicles Act (REV) that provides incentives for manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (EVs), EV component parts and EV power supplies to start up business in Illinois. EV manufacturer Rivian now supports close to 6,000 jobs at their manufacturing plant in Bloomington after having fewer than 1,500 employees at their plant at the start of 2021.