ON THE ISSUES
OPPORTUNITY AND THE ECONOMY:
Jesse Jackson Jr. represented Illinois' 2nd Congressional District for 17 years and served as a Member of the powerful Appropriations Committee. The Exploratory Committee knows Jesse would use his considerable knowledge, intellect, and experience to help improve the quality of life for working people. Jesse Jackson Jr. was considered one of the hardest-working and most effective members of Congress. He never missed a vote and he delivered nearly a billion dollars in federal grants and appropriations to the 2nd Congressional District.
At this critical time, when vital federal programs are being cut and people are losing their jobs, we need an experienced fighter in Congress like who has the experience and know-how to get things done. No other candidate in the race can match Jesse Jackson Jr.'s results.
Jesse Jackson Jr. championed building a third full-service airport in the Chicago Southland that would create thousands of new jobs, stimulate economic development, and make air travel more accessible. An airport at the site -- which is now in the middle of the 2nd Congressional District -- would provide proximity to five of Amazon's south suburban fulfillment centers.
INVESTING IN EDUCATION
Jesse Jackson Jr. says it is essential that we improve public education at all levels. He knows we must increase teacher salaries and provide a more supportive school environment for students, parents, and teachers. Illinois has implemented initiatives like the Teacher Vacancy Grant to address teacher shortages, and we must provide more resources to help teachers succeed.
BUILDING SAFER, STRONGER COMMUNITIES
Jesse Jackson Jr. would work for a 2nd Congressional District where every person has the opportunity to grow and thrive and have their constitutional rights protected. His goal would be for every person in the District to feel safe and to move about their communities as they desire. He knows safer communities are essential for quality of life, economic growth, and job creation. That's why he would work to reduce crime, making our streets safer, and bring our communities together.
HEALTHCARE IS A PRIORITY
Recently passed cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) threaten to take healthcare and food benefits from thousands of Illinois residents. Hospitals dependent on Medicaid may be forced to reduce services or close. Jesse Jackson Jr. would fight these cuts and work to restore and strengthen healthcare and food benefits.