Organizer, Lifelong Skokie Resident Olickal Takes Office with Focus on Health Care, Workforce Development

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Kevin Olickal, D-Skokie, took office Wednesday as new progressive voice for northwest side communities. Building on career spent helping communities build political power, Olickal will use his seat in the House to crack down on illegal guns, protect the right to choose, make health care more affordable, and make sure local voices heard in Springfield.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to my neighbors for choosing me to represent them in Springfield. For the past several months, I have been privileged to hear from families and community members on the issues that matter to them most,” Olickal said. “These connections are an integral part of my work as a state representative, and I look forward to continuing these conversations so that my work reflects the interests of our community.”

A lifelong Skokie resident and the son of immigrants, Olickal has spent his entire career organizing and helping people make their voices heard in government. Olickal worked to bolster civic engagement within minority communities as the executive director of the Indo-American Democratic Organization. As a state representative, Olickal plans to improve access to health care, increase workforce development resources, and further reform Illinois’ criminal justice system so that everyone receives fair and equal treatment under the law.

“Many tough decisions lie ahead as we work toward a better Illinois, but I am confident that through collaboration and cooperation, anything is possible. The work will be hard, but that is how we know it is worth doing. I am ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to improve the lives of all Illinoisans.”