Mary Rita Luecke for Illinois State Representative, 17th District
Welcome to my website. Like my campaign, (and my life) it is a work in progress, adapting to the issues and concerns I hear as I meet more of you every day. Please use this to get to know me and to share your thoughts, invite me to gatherings, volunteer your energy and donate to keep my campaign afloat.
As a parent, citizen and taxpayer, I watched with anger and frustration as Bruce Rauner repeatedly blocked efforts to pass a fair and equitable budget. I am thankful that the General Assembly was finally able to override the governor’s veto so that our state universities and essential social services can continue to serve the people of Illinois.
There is still urgent work to be done. I want to be a part of a legislature that works together — regardless of party affiliation — to meet the challenges facing Illinois.
That is why I am running for state representative.
My top priority for the district will be to fully and equitably fund our public schools. As a former school board president, I understand that challenges of school finances and the challenges of running a school district. I will use this knowledge and experience to fight for quality public schools for every child in Illinois.
Fundamentally, I am a listener and a problem solver, who truly enjoys bringing people together around common goals. Please use this site to reach out to me and let me know how I can best reach out to you.
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Latest from the blog
IEA IPACE Recommends Mary Rita
Mary Rita is proud to receive the IEA IPACE recommendation for state representative in the 17th District. "Mary Rita’s support for increased education funding, making college more affordable and a living wage show her commitment to education and working families.” She has the experience necessary to ensure that the government fulfills one of its most important obligations: fully funding public education.Continue readingIllinois League of Women Voters Candidate Forum
Mary Rita appreciates all those who came out to keep democracy alive this past Saturday, March 2nd at the Illinois League of Women Voters Candidate Forum in Wilmette. See article on League Forum in Journal & Topics here. Note final paragraph citing Mary Rita's support for program to interrupt gun violence. "Luecke advocated for a Chicago program called Ceasefire, in which people called interrupters embedded in neighborhoods work to stop retaliation and cycles of violence, once shootings occur or when there is neighborhood tension which could lead to gun violence."Continue readingRecent Endorsements: Chicago Sun-Times & Illinois Education Association
We are thrilled to receive endorsements from the The Chicago Sun-Times and Illinois Education Association-Illinois Political Action Committee for Education! Mary Rita has long fought for progressive causes and will take her experience and values to represent the 17th district in Springfield. Thank you, Chicago Sun-Times for your recognition of and dedication to progressive champions! Thank you, Illinois Education Association for supporting excellent and equitable public education and the candidates that will make that happen! The Experience We Need to Drive the Change We WantContinue readingVIdeo: Mary Rita on the Issues - Good Goverment Measures
Watch Mary Rita address big money in politics, publicly funded elections, an independent map commission, and other good government measures.Continue readingVideo: Mary Rita on the Issues - State Budget
Watch Mary Rita address our state budget and advocate for a progressive, People and Planet First, budget with a progressive income tax. Read more on Mary Rita's position here:http://www.maryritaforstaterep.com/progressive_income_taxContinue readingSun-Time Editorial & Mary Rita's Health Care Response
Mary Rita opposes any effort to diminish access to the 10 essential health care services required under all A.C.A insurance plans. This Sun-Times editorial on Jan.19, opposes the Trump initiative to expand the authority of Associations to bypass current A.C.A requirements.Continue reading