She Runs Illinois 2024! — Kimberly Neely DuBuclet, candidate for IL House of Representatives, District 5
She Votes Illinois is pleased to feature Kimberly Neely DuBuclet, incumbent, running for IL House of Representatives, District 5. Follow our series, She Runs Illinois 2024!, leading up to election day as we showcase and uplift the voices of Illinois women running for public office in the upcoming election, November 5, 2024.
Tell us about yourself
I am a dedicated legislator, who previously served as Vice President on the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC). My commitment to environmental issues is underscored by my appointment by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC), where I played a vital role in implementing public health and environmental programs nationally, ensuring clean air, water, safe drinking water, and responsible waste disposal.
Before my current legislative role, I served as the Legislative and Community Affairs Director for the Chicago Park District. This experience equipped me with the skills to navigate complex legislative landscapes while engaging with communities at the local level.
Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, I have always maintained a strong personal connection to the community that shaped me. My educational journey reflects a steadfast commitment to academic excellence and personal growth. I attended The University of Chicago Lab School, where I developed a solid academic foundation. I then pursued a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, broadening my horizons and deepening my knowledge. My quest for higher learning continued with an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where I honed my leadership skills and business acumen. Each step of my journey has been driven by a passion for learning and a desire to give back to my community.
As a mother of two, my leadership extends beyond the professional realm into the personal, showcasing a holistic approach to public service. My membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and The Links, Inc., further underscores my dedication to community service and collaboration.
In essence, my rich and varied background positions me as a seasoned advocate with a comprehensive understanding of legislative intricacies, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. These qualities drive my commitment to championing the well-being of both my constituents and the broader community.
What are your top three legislative priorities you intend to focus on in office?
My top three legislative priorities are: protecting reproductive freedom, addressing the ever-evolving climate crisis, and creating an economy that works for all my constituents, especially the Black community.
With the upcoming election, federal reproductive health policy is at a critical juncture. As more states continue to impose restrictive measures undermining a woman’s right to choose, I am resolutely committed to ensuring that Illinois remains a leader in safeguarding reproductive health. My legislative efforts reflect this dedication. I have sponsored HB83, the Reproductive Liberty and Justice Act, which expands the scope of reproductive health centers, and HB4152, which strengthens insurance coverage for reproductive care. I remain steadfast in supporting legislation that further enhances these vital services.
As our annual temperatures rise, it is imperative that we take meaningful action to combat climate change, as its impacts disproportionately affect the most vulnerable communities. I am proud to have earned the endorsement of the Sierra Club of Illinois and to have been the chief sponsor of HB4319, which ensures that our students’ curriculum educates them on the impacts of climate change. Additionally, I have supported legislation addressing corporate emission reporting, expanding microfiber filters, and ensuring access to clean drinking water.
In conversations with voters, I have heard the pressing need for an inclusive economy. Inflation is a challenge many Americans face, and I will continue to advocate for legislation that brings valuable investments into my community. In the most recent budget, we secured millions of dollars in funding for Community Assistance Programs and their new campus, which will provide workforce training and career support for residents. I am committed to working with local small businesses to help them secure grants and receive the support they need. Furthermore, I have introduced legislation to establish a tourism commission in Illinois, which would generate millions and promote businesses not just in downtown areas, but in communities like Bronzeville and Woodlawn.
What do you wish you had known before you ran for office?
As I reflect on the considerations I wish I had pondered more deeply before running for office, one that stands out prominently is the profound sacrifice required in the pursuit of pragmatism. Serving in a legislative body means that you are but one individual representing the diverse and complex needs of thousands within your community. This role necessitates engaging with an equally diverse array of values and ideals from fellow legislators and stakeholders.
While this process of sustained engagement is crucial for effective governance, it also demands a delicate balance. On one hand, you must strive to maximize outcomes for your constituents, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met. On the other hand, you must reconcile this with your own passions and principles, sometimes setting aside personal convictions to achieve broader consensus and practical solutions.
Navigating this balance is both challenging and essential. It requires a deep commitment to listening, understanding, and collaborating, as well as a willingness to make difficult compromises. This journey of public service is marked by moments of profound fulfillment when positive change is realized, but also by the continuous effort to bridge the gap between idealism and the realities of policymaking.
What measures can Illinois implement to better protect women from intimate partner violence, considering high-profile cases involving the abuse and stalking of Black women like the attack on pregnant Laterria Smith and murder of her son, Jayden Perkins, by her ex-partner; and Dominique Ward’s struggles with her ex-partner’s cyberstalking?
Illinois must implement comprehensive measures to better protect women from intimate partner violence, especially in light of high-profile cases involving the abuse and stalking of Black women, such as the attack on pregnant Laterria Smith and the murder of her son, Jayden Perkins, by her ex-partner, and Dominique Ward’s struggles with her ex-partner’s cyberstalking. These tragic incidents underscore the urgent need for action.
First, we must address the increasing prevalence of cyberstalking and the malicious use of digital tools. This requires the development and enforcement of robust laws that specifically target cyberstalking behaviors. Additionally, enhancing the capabilities of our law enforcement agencies to detect, prevent, and respond to such threats is critical. Providing specialized training on the latest technologies and methods used by cyberstalkers will ensure that officers are well-equipped to protect victims.
The passage of Karina’s Bill is another vital step in safeguarding women. This legislation will prevent perpetrators of intimate partner violence from accessing firearms, thereby reducing the risk of further violence. It is imperative that we advocate for and implement laws that keep dangerous individuals from possessing weapons.
Collaboration with state agencies, such as the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), is essential to provide comprehensive support to women in these situations. These agencies must be adequately funded and equipped to offer resources such as shelters, counseling, and legal assistance. Strengthening counseling services in schools is also crucial to address the needs of young victims and those at risk.
Furthermore, we must ensure that our law enforcement personnel receive specialized training in dealing with victims of intimate partner violence, with a focus on sensitivity and cultural competency. Building a highly qualified workforce of social workers who can provide support and advocacy for victims is equally important. By implementing these measures, Illinois can create a safer environment for all women, particularly those in vulnerable communities, and work towards preventing the devastating impact of intimate partner violence.
What initiatives are you prioritizing to address racial disparities in healthcare access and outcomes in Illinois, and how do you plan to ensure that healthcare policies are equitable and inclusive of all communities?
Addressing racial disparities in healthcare access and outcomes in Illinois is a top priority for me, and I have taken several legislative steps to ensure that healthcare policies are equitable and inclusive for all communities.
One key initiative I have championed is HB4113, which mandates that hospitals report their expenditures transparently. This legislation is designed to ensure that additional funds are allocated in a manner that promotes equity, allowing us to identify and address disparities in healthcare investment across different communities. By holding hospitals accountable for their spending, we can ensure that resources are directed where they are needed most, particularly in underserved areas.
In addition to HB4113, I have strongly supported HB4472, which establishes the Health Care Availability and Access Board. This board’s primary goal is to keep healthcare costs low and improve access to care for all Illinois residents. By creating this board, we aim to develop policies that make healthcare more affordable and accessible, reducing financial barriers that disproportionately affect minority and low-income communities.
Furthermore, my commitment to minority communities is evident through my support for HR0262. This resolution focuses on gathering more data and providing deeper insights into maternal mortality, with a specific emphasis on understanding and addressing racial disparities. By highlighting and addressing the unique challenges faced by minority women in maternal healthcare, we can develop targeted interventions to improve outcomes and save lives.
These efforts collectively aim to make healthcare accessible and equitable, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or other identity-based attributes. By prioritizing transparency, affordability, and data-driven policies, we can work towards a healthcare system that serves all Illinois residents fairly and effectively.
How will you ensure that Illinois continues to lead in promoting women’s health and reproductive rights, especially in the face of potentially restrictive federal policies on abortion and birth control?
I am honored to have earned the endorsements of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action and Personal PAC. These endorsements underscore my unwavering commitment to reproductive justice, and I eagerly anticipate collaborating with leading advocates and organizations to reinforce Illinois’ reputation as a gold standard state in this crucial area.
My legislative efforts are a testament to this commitment. I have proudly sponsored HB83, the Reproductive Liberty and Justice Act, which expands the scope of reproductive health centers to ensure broader access to essential services. Additionally, I championed HB4152, aimed at strengthening insurance coverage for reproductive care, thereby making these vital services more accessible to all. My dedication to this cause extends beyond these initiatives, as I remain resolutely committed to supporting legislation that fortifies and expands critical reproductive health services.
Closing comments
My platform is the culmination of countless conversations with voters and constituents in Illinois’ Fifth District. In my conversations in the field and from my present tenure as the State Representative it is abundantly clear my constituents want to bolster public safety, have strong public schools for their kids, have economic opportunity, and ensure that Illinois continues to be a champion of not just accessible healthcare, but reproductive freedom. The campaign I am running is a reflection of my commitment to these values.
The needs of the Fifth District require dedication and collaboration. Since my appointment, I have worked diligently to introduce several various provisions that address a wide litany of issues. If reelected I will champion all the causes my community wants realized.
If you would like to learn more about Kimberly Neely DuBuclet and her platform or volunteer for her campaign, please check out her website at kim4staterep.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Facebook and Instagram. Reach out today and help make a difference in the upcoming 2024 election.
(The information contained in this post is provided only as general information and does not imply an endorsement by She Votes Illinois.)
