Amanda Howland for State Rep

Background:

I grew up in a typical, Midwestern middle class family. I was raised with a strong sense of responsibility to my neighbor and my community. Representing my District is a natural extension of my life as a public servant. I have served as a Special Education teacher, working with emotionally disturbed and behavior-disordered students, then as an Assistant Principal and Principal in elementary education, and now as a lawyer.

I took a leave of absence from the practice of law last year to work full-time for the Kerry Campaign. I spent four days in Toledo, Ohio as an "election protection attorney." I also volunteered for Melissa Bean. In 2002 I campaigned for Rahm Emmanuel. This year I supported Christine Cegelis for Congress.

Goals:

Because of my work with Democratic races I was asked by several State officials to run for the Illinois 51st District State House of Representatives.

I am running because I want to ensure that the quality of life in our communities continues to improve for all families, not just a connected few.

Issues:

Education

Affordable Healthcare

Tax fairness

Grassroots Support:

Grassroots organizing is essential. My campaign evolved from the grassroots groups I worked with during the 2004 Presidential campaign. In Illinois and Ohio, I worked with MoveOn and with America Coming Together. I have continued to work with those organizations and with People for the American Way.

I firmly believe that my race will be won with a strong grassroots showing. I plan to continue to meet as many constituents as possible between now and November and I hope to have many volunteers who will join me.

DFA Values:

I was able to better myself because I had access to a quality education in public schools. In addition, I was able to receive scholarships, grants and loans to attend college when my parents couldn't pay. Later, I worked my way through graduate school and law school. I was fortunate to have scholarships and financial assistance available to me. Today, even in the middle class, people don't have those same opportunities.

I know that people can be successful when they have a good education, affordable health care and a fair wage. This country was founded on the premise that all people are created equal and that with hard work, all have an opportunity to improve their lives. Unfortunately, many politicians have forgotten this.

I will work for programs that provide help where it is needed most, especially for access to a good education and affordable health care. I will explore all possibilities and not dismiss an idea simply becuase it is proposed by one party or another.