Gabel Lays Out Goals for New Term

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston, issued this statement at the beginning of the new legislative session:

“As the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act continues to be implemented and met with great success, it’s clear that Illinois is ready for a clean energy future. Pursuing more opportunities to create good jobs by electrifying the local and statewide transportation sectors will bolster our economy and further cement Illinois as a national leader in clean energy.

“Recent steps we have taken to secure the right to choose are good, but there is more work to do. Bodily autonomy is under attack nationwide. Extremists aren’t going to stop their attempts to restrict the rights of vulnerable people, and our efforts need to exceed theirs. Women and doctors in nearby states especially will need our assistance as their governments try to strip away their basic freedom to bodily autonomy.

“The Protecting Illinois Communities Act is also a sign of great progress I was pleased to vote for. However, gun violence is an expansive problem that will not be fixed by any single bill. Further progress to protect our community and keep weapons of war off our streets and out of the hands of unstable individuals is necessary.

“Finally, access to healthcare is the bedrock of a thriving community. Not only is it a basic human right, getting high-quality treatment from a doctor and affordable prescriptions after that will depress crime, poverty, mental illness, homelessness and numerous other issues our society is still grappling with. Passing legislation to promote affordable healthcare will be a high priority for me this coming session.

“Thank you to the people of the 18th District for entrusting me to work for their interests in our State’s Capitol.”