The Issues

 
drawing of raised fist holding the scales of justice

  • Josina supported the end of cash bail  in Illinois, creating a more just criminal justice system based on public safety, not money. And she has invested in community-based prevention programs working with Cook County’s Justice Advisory Council to bring over $2.5 in grants to violence prevention organizations in the 13th District.

Reforming our jail and bond system

  • Josina’s first bill committed Cook County to passing its first Environmental Justice Policy by 2026. Working with the Department of Environment and Sustainability, over 1,400 Cook County residents, including members of the 13th District Environmental Justice Working Group, have been a part of developing this policy.

Promoting equitable sustainability

 
 

  • Helped establish a $100m emergency fund to help respond to unplanned crises from providing health screenings for migrants to stormwater relief and assistance for the Skokie water main break. Invested in holistic programs in the district including providing on-site wraparound mental health services in our Housing Assistance of Cook County buildings and filling gaps in services including $2M for abortion care.

Addressing disparities and increasing access for all

  • Hosted Cook County’s 1st Language Access Summit in 2024. Amended Cook County Human Rights Ordinance to strengthen protections against language discrimination. Passed legislation requiring  the collection of Asian American and Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) data.. Launched “I Speak Cards” in 40 languages in the Cook County building. Increased investment in translation and interpretation for Cook County Government and Commissioners’ office and expanded best practices to local governments across the district. 

Linguistic, Cultural and Ethnic Inclusion and Access

 
 

  • Provided over $4m million in grants to 13th District small businesses and nonprofits including grants to improve sustainable business practices. Convened manufacturing companies within the district to identify and funded $200k in initial opportunities and innovation. Helped hundreds appeal their property tax assessments and provided equity and relief for small mixed-use buildings. Invested $14M in homeless and supportive housing opportunities across the district.

Investing in our infrastructure, communities, and people

  • Passed three balanced budgets with no new taxes. Cook County received 3 credit rating upgrades in 3 years while expanding social investments from the country’s largest Guaranteed Income Program to relieving over $700m in medical debt for Cook County residents.

A responsible and balanced budget

 
 

  • Expanded public transportation across the district from the new Peterson/Ridge Metra station, the updated the Morton Grove Metra station to launching the Dempster PACE bus that goes from Evanston, through the district along Dempster, to O’Hare in 45 mins, every 15 mins, with free wifi, for only $2. Expanded EV, bike and pedestrian infrastructure from EV charging stations, the Oakton bike path connecting Skokie, Morton Grove and Niles to the Divvy Bikes program in Evanston.

Bringing communities closer through efficient transit. Creating a sustainable landscape.

  • Increased veterans funding from $500,000 to $2.8 million in the current budget. Led the initiative to establish a downtown accessible Veterans Assistance Center location to open in 2026.

Serving those who served their country.