ON THE ISSUES
A VISIONARY ECONOMIC PLAN
Jesse Jackson Jr. represented Illinois' Second Congressional District for 17 years and served as a Member of the powerful Appropriations Committee. Political and business leaders who drafted him to enter the race know the former congressman would use his considerable knowledge, intellect and experience to help improve quality of life across the District. 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 District.
At this critical time, when political chaos is hurting Americans and jobs are being lost, we need a proven fighter in Congress who has the experience and skill to get things done. No other candidate in the race can match Jesse Jackson Jr.'s track record of 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 lift every community in the District. His economic plan to connect the District to the global economy would advance construction of the airport, address access and affordability, and create unprecedented opportunity.
INVESTING IN EDUCATION
Education is key to a robust economic future for the District and a centerpiece of Jesse's visionary plan. He will work to improve every level of public education. Jesse knows we must increase teacher salaries and provide a more supportive school environment with deeper resources for students, parents and teachers. Jesse was known as one of education's most dedicated advocates during his 17 years in Congress. He will prioritize addressing teacher shortages and providing more support to help teachers succeed.
BUILDING SAFER, STRONGER COMMUNITIES
Jesse Jackson Jr. will work to transform the economy across the District so every person has the opportunity to grow, thrive and have their constitutional rights protected. His goal is for every community and every person in the District to feel safe. He knows safer communities are essential for a better quality of life across the District. That's why he would work to address gun violence, reduce crime, and make our streets safer.
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 Illinoisians. Hospitals dependent on Medicaid will be forced to reduce services or close entirely. Jesse Jackson Jr. would fight these cuts. Beyond restoring healthcare and food benefits, Jesse will work with urgency to address the maternal care shortage crisis, create more resources for caregivers, and expand access to care for mental health.