New Rep. Nabeela Syed Lays Out Goals for First Term

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Nabeela Syed, D-Palatine, was inaugurated Wednesday, beginning her effort to provide tax relief, make health care more affordable, support local businesses, and keep suburban communities safe.

“I’d like to extend my gratitude to our community for the opportunity to be their voice in Springfield. Addressing your priorities will be my guiding principle; tackling the challenges facing everyone in the 51st House District will be my goal.

“Affordable healthcare is the foundation of a thriving community. A lack of access to capable doctors and necessary prescription drugs makes it harder for people to work, to raise a family, to enjoy time with friends and to generally have a fulfilling life free of the stress and pain caused by untreated illness. Ensuring every member of our community has healthcare is not a simple challenge—big pharmaceutical companies and the insurance industry will fight major progress—but it is one I am committed to pursuing.”

Born and raised in Palatine, Syed most recently worked in the non-profit sector doing digital strategy to support civic engagement efforts, which included voter mobilization, combatting sexual assault on college campuses and promoting gender equity. Syed is the first Muslim-American woman and one of the youngest people ever elected to the Illinois General Assembly.

“An epidemic of gun violence has stricken Illinois for years. The innocent lives lost, the bystanders traumatized and the communities scarred grow daily. While recent progress combatting gun violence is encouraging, more needs to be done. One bill will not provide the solution to such a complex problem, but each step we take brings us closer to a safer, more peaceful state.

“Property taxes are a punishing burden weighing on some of the most vulnerable members of our society, especially our seniors. It’s past time we stop saddling people on a fixed income with such a strenuous economic drain. Appraisal freezes, tax credits and exemptions for seniors in low-income brackets are steps we need to take to ease this burden.

“Providing proper care to seniors battling Alzheimer’s and similar mental health issues also need to be addressed. Our seniors deserve dignified and comfortable retirements, not years in which they have to struggle to make ends meet while confronting these problems alone.

“My time in Springfield will be spent building a stronger future for the people I represent. I’m confident I can work my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make this future a reality.”