SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, helped pass a formal resolution Wednesday demanding the Trump administration end its illegal censoring of the Epstein files and calling for an independent investigation into the file’s significant, potentially politically-aligned, redactions. 

“We must stand with the women calling for the release of the Epstein files, detailing the sexual abuse they experienced as young girls and young women,” Mussman. “It is not partisan to call for the disclosure and prosecution of individuals involved in a child sex trafficking ring. These files should be released in full, without redactions, as mandated by U.S. Congress and supported by elected officials on both sides of the aisle.”

House Resolution 697 demands that the Trump administration abide by the requirements included in the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act and make redactions explicitly to shield the identities of survivors, as well as releasing all files related to the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplices. 

The resolution comes after months-long concerns have been raised over how the U.S. Department of Justice has handled and responded to the act’s disclosure requirements, and whether politically-motivated redactions, or other politically-favored changes, have occurred.

House Resolution 697 passed the House floor partisanly, with zero Republican members voting in favor.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, is denouncing President Donald Trump’s racist social media post depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes.

Earlier this month, an artificial intelligence (AI) video was posted to the president’s Truth Social account depicting various Democratic elected officials and content creators as jungle animals. The Trump Administration claimed that the post was simply mirroring Disney’s The Lion King, although there were no apes in the film. The depiction of people of color as apes is a centuries’ old, well-known racial stereotype and caricature. The video has since been deleted from the president’s social media without an apology to the Obamas or anyone else depicted in the video, nor acknowledgement of the video’s inherently racist nature.

“The racism displayed in this video is abhorrent, appalling and reprehensible,” said Mussman. “We must call out racism when we see it, acknowledge our country’s racist and turbulent past and work toward a kinder, more accepting future.”

Mussman supported House Resolution 696 to honor the 100th anniversary of Black History Month and condemn the president’s racist rhetoric. The resolution makes clear that this AI video is not the administration’s first overtly racist action, but one of its most recent efforts to diminish and sideline Americans of diverse backgrounds.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, releases the following statement following Governor JB Pritzker’s annual budget address:

“It’s time to get to work now that the Governor's proposal has been outlined. I will work to ensure the budget helps build our community and makes the lives of our neighbors and friends easier, not harder. I will ensure that social safety nets remain in place, help is given for those in need of food and housing, and opportunity in our community continues to expand.”

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, joins over 200 lawmakers from all 50 states to sign a comprehensive letter organized by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX), the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), and the Child Care for Every Family Network urging the federal government to restore childcare funding.  

“I stand proudly with my colleagues in the Illinois House and across the country in demanding the federal government to distribute the funds our families need and deserve,” said Mussman. 

In January, the Trump administration announced its intention to cut childcare funding in five states, including Illinois. Additionally, the federal government’s “Defend the Spend” policy targets social services and childcare programs by forcing agencies servicing these vital resources to provide excessive and unnecessary documents before receiving any kind of funding, causing nationwide delays.

Mussman has been integral to championing legislation supporting young families, children, and education access. Recently, she co-sponsored House Resolution 621, calling for the immediate release of the $10 billion in child care funds frozen across democratic-majority states, including over $1 billion to Illinois families and children facing poverty, chronic illness or disability.

“We saw a new low when SNAP benefits were withheld in October as a political ploy, and unfortunately things are just getting worse for families who rely on assistance paying for anything from groceries to childcare,” said Mussman. “We need to return compassion and empathy to politics, and that starts with funding our basic needs.”

The collaborative letter can be read here and was entered into the record during yesterday’s Senate Judiciary Hearing.​

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – A clean slate law signed today will expand housing, employment and education opportunities for Illinoisans, thanks to legislation supported by state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, that creates an automatic sealing process for thousands of non-violent arrest records.

“By limiting opportunities for people with non-violent, outdated records, we were limiting opportunities for growth and prosperity in Illinois,” said Mussman. “This really is a bill that benefits so many, not just those with minor convictions. When we support Illinoisans, we better our state. I’m proud to have supported this bill, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for residents in my community and all throughout Illinois during the upcoming legislative session.”

More than 2.2 million Illinoisans have an old arrest record or minor conviction that would currently qualify for sealing, but the process can be complicated and costly. It’s estimated that only 10 percent of those eligible have been able to receive relief, making it more difficult for many to qualify for affordable housing, to advance their education, and find employment.

Mussman helped pass the Clean Slate Act (House Bill 1836), which will automatically seal many minor criminal records, ensuring these records are accessible only to law enforcement, prosecutors and sensitive employers, such as daycares and schools. Arrests resulting in an acquittal or dismissal will be sealed immediately, while misdemeanor convictions will be sealed after two years. The most serious felonies, domestic abuse convictions, and other violent crimes against persons will not be eligible for sealing.

The measure is the product of years of negotiation with business groups, law enforcement, housing advocates, and criminal justice reformers.

The Clean Slate Act was signed into law by Governor Pritzker earlier this morning.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — A new law signed on Thursday will provide Illinoisans immediate and long-term utility bill relief by bringing down energy costs, thanks to legislation supported by state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg. 

“The rise in energy costs we have seen over the past year is unprecedented,” said Mussman. “Families are being forced to make sudden and difficult financial decisions, just to be able to pay their utility bills. The signing of this bill means immediate relief for customers, and the steps made toward the use of renewable energy resources mean continued relief long term.”

Over the last year, many Illinois residents have grappled with untenable utility bill costs. Senate Bill 25, The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, puts Illinois on better footing to counteract rising energy prices by tapping into:

• Capturing clean energy: By capturing and redistributing energy already being produced, including from home solar panels, Ameren and ComEd customers can see immediate relief on monthly costs.
• Increasing battery storage: By building out our grid to increase the state’s battery storage, power systems will become more reliable and affordable to power millions of Illinois homes.
• Investing in energy efficiency programs: Senate Bill 25 directly expands energy efficiency programs for residents, lowering electricity prices by reducing overall demand, and improves equity in programs by allocating a minimum amount of funds to support low-income customers.

Additionally, the measure will create up to 115,000 jobs, counteracting job insecurity and layoffs caused by federal cuts. As utility demands increase during the winter months, Senate Bill 25 will play a significant role in meeting the state’s energy needs, strengthening reliability and helping manage untenable costs for customers for both short- and long-term relief. 

“By addressing rising energy costs, we take another step toward a more affordable, and more sustainable, way of life for Illinoisans. I look forward to continuing that work in the upcoming legislative session,” Mussman said.

Senate Bill 25 was signed earlier today.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, is highlighting steps to support public safety, healthcare, and improve education from cradle to career while holding the line on taxes for families.

“I’ve worked hard to bring our community’s needs to the Statehouse, and I look forward to continuing that work,” said Mussman. “This year’s balanced budget allows us to expand essential services for our hard-working families by pouring funds into public safety, education, and slashing healthcare costs, ensuring that no family gets left behind when seeking affordable, quality care and services no matter where they reside in the state.”

Continuing her effort to rebuild Illinois’ fiscal house, Mussman passed a new state budget that looks line-by-line through spending to cut nearly $75 million in administrative costs in order to invest state resources in services local families value while growing the state’s rainy day fund.

Mussman took significant steps to help cut the cost of living as well. A new $50 million child tax credit will help families with modest incomes face rising costs, while a $10 million state investment will eliminate $1 billion in family medical debt. Mussman voted to eliminate a state sales tax on groceries, and give local governments more tools to get serious about property tax relief.

As chairperson of the Elementary and Secondary Education committee, Mussman was integral in securing key funding for education. Mussman prioritized new investments in early childhood education, creating new opportunities for 5,000 of Illinois’ youngest learners. She also supported $350 million more for elementary and secondary schools, and additional access to college financial aid such as MAP Grants.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand the obstacles more and more school districts face. I’m pleased that we’ve hit the ground running in boosting efficiencies in our state education, including a central hub for early education, ensuring that all parents and students — no matter where they reside in the state — have equitable access to information and resources as they navigate their child’s first years of schooling,” said Mussman. “Every child deserves access to a world-class education, and every parent deserves the reassurance that their child is in good hands. I look forward to working with families in my community to ensure our classrooms are the best of the best.”

Mussman also prioritized public safety in the state budget, making smart investments in community-based approaches to violence prevention and taking steps to ensure police have the resources they need to combat crime. Mussman voted to hire and train 200 new state troopers and help local departments recruit and retain officers. As suburban libraries and religious organizations also see increasing threats of violence, Mussman worked to create new protections for library workers, and new state resources to combat hate crimes. 

Additional highlights of Mussman’s legislative priorities this session include:

• Improving Medicaid access for those living with developmental disabilities by establishing a subcommittee to develop policies for expanding Medicaid provider networks to improve efficiency, accessibility, and quality of care.
• Creating equitable classrooms by establishing more parity between funding for high-cost special education students attending either a separate public or non-public special education day school.
• Improving seniors’ quality of life by ensuring front-line caseworkers can intercede more quickly in cases of senior neglect, protecting vulnerable older adults from harm.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, will join a newly formed Teacher Shortage Working Group to address the longstanding issue of vacancies in Illinois schools by exploring new ways to attract and retain qualified educators.

“Research shows that educator quality is among the most significant factors influencing student achievement,” said Mussman. “As chairperson of the Elementary and Secondary Education committee, I’ve witnessed firsthand the obstacles more and more school districts face regarding staff vacancies. Forming this working group demonstrates the state’s commitment to addressing a national issue in education and can lead to positive outcomes for schools, teachers, and students alike.”

According to the Illinois State Board of Education, as of 2023, there were over 7,000 unfilled educator positions across the state. The Teacher Shortage Working Group will meet regularly to work on sustainable solutions that will help mitigate teacher shortages in the long term, ensuring a stable and qualified workforce for schools and students.“We strive to deliver a world-class education, but these vacancies can undermine the quality of a child’s education, hinder student success, and weaken the overall effectiveness of our education system,” said Mussman. “I’m eager to brainstorm with the members of this group. Collaboration is key to coordinating efforts to tackle this issue and set our students up for future success.”

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – To share critical legislative updates and hear valuable feedback from the communities she represents, state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, is inviting local residents to attend a town hall in Hoffman Estates at the Schaumburg Township building.

“There are a lot of new developments from Springfield that I am excited to share with everyone in our community,” said Mussman. “I need feedback and ideas from the residents that make up our families to direct my legislative agenda as we continue to move forward.” 

Mussman’s first town hall event of the year will take place on Jan. 26 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Schaumburg Township building, located at 1 Illinois Blvd in Hoffman Estates. Mussman will answer any questions attendees have about local issues or legislative updates from the capitol.

“As we continue to step into the new year, it is critical that our community makes sure I am able to hear what they want,” said Mussman. “I encourage anyone who is interested in learning more things about issues affecting them and the legislation we fought for to address them should attend.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, released the following statement Wednesday, beginning a new term in the Illinois House:

“More than ever, I am committed to advocating for the interests of the families and small businesses throughout the communities of Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Des Plaines, Hoffman Estates, Hanover Park, and Roselle that make up our district. I am proud of the work I have done to improve access to health resources, assist small businesses recovering from the pandemic, and support children and families across our communities. There is still much more to do.

“While many states seek to strip away reproductive freedoms, we must continue to move Illinois in a better direction. We must continue to defend the right to choose, and expand access to all forms of health care. I am committed to making sure that our seniors and families can afford their prescription without forcing them to decide between buying groceries or the medicine they need to live. 

“I will continue to fight to enrich the lives of our middle-class families by collaborating with my fellow legislators to provide job training, access to high-wage jobs. And to alleviate the challenges facing small businesses. I will also continue to support our law enforcement agencies, enhance protections for victims and survivors of crime, and fight for more funding for mental health and substance abuse treatment. I pledge to continue to advocate for the needs of the children and families throughout our state, especially those with special needs. All children regardless of their zip code and ability have the fundamental right to a quality education.

“I am excited to welcome our new legislators and get to work with those in both parties to get things done for our communities and our state!”