A Voice of Hope & Change for Illinois!
My name is Samantha Gasca, and it is with honor that I receive the Republican nomination for Illinois State Senate District 19. I desire to bring positive change, whether it be in Springfield or locally. It is my honor to be your voice. Most importantly, I am a follower of Jesus… my intention is that my values, actions, behaviors, choices, tones, expressions, and words reflect my faith in God. I believe in traditional values. Our fight is for our children, our families, our communities, our cultures, and our futures. Illinois is our home, and it is absolutely, unequivocally worth fighting for. Here are some examples of my plan for a restored Illinois:
Embracing Our Heritage, Championing Our Future
Illinois is a state blessed with a rich history, diverse communities, and untapped potential. From the rolling farmlands to bustling urban centers, it is time for us to come together to build a prosperous, compassionate, and sustainable future for every resident of this state. A few examples of my diverse background (aside from being the 1st Latina to win my primary by the grace of God):
I was born/raised and live in the suburbs. When I went to college, I learned/worked (for the 1st 10 years) in the Agriculture industry with livestock (pigs and cattle, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics)… subsequently, I spent the last 7 years in urban ministry (9 years in ministry total) working with sex trafficked children, poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, abuse, trauma, and the like. I felt it necessary to my own healing (regarding my childhood) to leave my PhD program (I am ABD/All But Dissertation completed) to work in an environment where I would be contributing to the healing of those in similar circumstances. Who knew it would be what fortified me as a servant.
I am hopeful to use these experiences to the advantage of you, your families, and our community. I am open to listen and will commit to work with you to ensure funds are adequately allotted in the necessary places.
Putting People First
In this campaign, my promise is simple: to always put people first (next to God). I wish to be a true public servant, dedicated to the needs and concerns of my fellow Illinoisans in Senate District 19. From rural towns to big cities, my intention is that no voice will be left unheard or undervalued.
Building Economic Opportunities
Illinois deserves a thriving economy that benefits everyone. I will work tirelessly to promote entrepreneurship, strengthen small businesses, and create more jobs. By investing in emerging industries, supporting our farmers, and fostering innovation, we can ensure a brighter future for all. Most importantly, we need someone who will be fighting the tax increases of those in charge in Illinois, holding them adequately accountable for corruption and spending measures, which have increased our taxes (most particularly in Southeast Cook County), as much as or more than $5000/household (on top of what people were already spending). I will fight to lower your taxes and to bring back the jobs, meanwhile rebuilding our almost shattered infrastructure. I believe in equal opportunity, not equal outcome. Growing up in a household with a Latino father “meant business” when it came to work. I recognized very young that everyone must contribute their talents and gifts to the betterment of the community.
Prioritizing Accessible Healthcare
Access to quality healthcare is fundamental. As your Senator, I will fight for affordable and accessible medical services for every resident of Illinois. I believe in expanding healthcare coverage, improving mental health services (this is HUGE for me!), and advocating for preventative care to ensure the well-being of all our citizens. Too many clinics and hospitals have closed their doors (many due to the burdensome taxing structure in Illinois), and that must stop.
Supporting Education Excellence
Our children deserve the best education system possible. I will champion increased funding for schools, support our dedicated/principled teachers, and promote equitable opportunities for students from all backgrounds. It really perplexes me that places such as Richton Park and Matteson, IL (for example) are paying the same amount of money in taxes as places in Frankfort and Mokena, IL, yet the school systems of the former are producing literacy rates much lower than latter. Even places in the Will County portion of our Senate district have been found to have literacy rates of less than 50%. That is why at the state level and federally, those in charge are trying to lower the standards: so that the failing numbers don’t look as bad to the public. They manipulate the data so that the declining public education system is not revealed publicly; however, is it on purpose? Are they trying to keep us stupid so we don’t rise up, organize, and demand something different? Are the discrepancies in the education system meant, in addition, to gentrify Cook County?
By investing in education, we invest in the future leaders and innovators of our great state. I will fight for improved school safety, in-school mental health reforms, and parental/school choice for our children. I fully support parental rights (I.e., the right of parents to determine and establish what is good/what is not good, for their own children.
Safer Streets
My plan includes hiring more Police Officers (especially to police one’s own community) and providing more opportunities for the police to spend time actively with the community. In addition, we must provide them with the tools/authority to do their jobs. We need safer neighborhoods, and that is why I'll push for more accountability, particularly for repeat offenders. Our children and families deserve to be free of violent crimes on their doorstep… with the current infrastructure promoting no-cash bail, thereby making Illinois a safe-haven for crime.
If I wanted to do crimes and get away easy, Illinois (in the current state) would be the perfect place to live. That also means Illinois is a safer place to live for pedophiles, as Illinois Leadership seeks to smooth over terminology of child sexual predators to (be inoffensive and) insinuate them as a, “Minor-Attracted Person.” As someone who was abused in such ways as a child, it is absolutely disgusting and vomit-worthy to talk of a predator as anything less.
That is why I'll push for laws to increase penalties for violent crimes, fentanyl/drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and public corruption.
Join the Movement, Shape the Future!
I cannot do this alone. I ask for your support, your voice, and your vote! Together, we can shape a better tomorrow for Illinois—one that is prosperous, inclusive, and built on the values we hold dear.
Thank you, Illinois, for your trust and confidence in me. I hope I can honor that to the highest degree. Let's embark on this adventure together, and together, we will make Illinois an even greater state to call home!
With Warmth & Sincerity,
Samantha Jean Gasca
