She Runs Illinois 2024! — LaToya Greenwood, candidate for IL House of Representatives, District 114
She Votes Illinois is pleased to feature LaToya N Greenwood, running for IL House of Representatives, District 114. 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
Born and raised in East St. Louis, as an education administrator and a public servant, I understand the challenges faced by underserved communities. I wanted to advocate in the State Capitol, for the many issues faced by residents of the Metro East area. Issues focused on social justice, equity, and opportunity, specifically centered around job creation, economic growth, education funding, reproductive health, maternal and infant mortality, and access to healthcare.
Prior to my election as State Representative, I was elected and served on the East St. Louis City Council. I was first elected in 2011 and was reelected in 2015. As a councilwoman, I focused on improving economic development, and public safety, and providing citizens with good, honest government. I served as the Public Safety Chairwoman where she advocated for Police, Fire, Regulatory Affairs, and the Emergency Service and Disaster Agency Department.
I attended Michigan State University where I received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
My passion and devotion to my community inspired me to come back to East. St. Louis and make a difference. I furthered my education at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where I received my master’s degree in public administration and policy.
I understand the State of Illinois is facing serious challenges and it is important that the General Assembly works together to find solutions. My mission as a state legislator is to build a stronger community in my district through improving economic development, providing quality and equitable education for all children, and ensuring public safety for residents.
I currently reside in East St. Louis with my son, Nicolas.
What are your top three legislative priorities you intend to focus on in office?
When I return to Springfield, I plan to work on a wide range of issues but the 3 main ones will be:
- Working to bring money back to the 114th district for infrastructure improvements from basic road maintenance all the way to water management systems and airports.
- I will work to secure and improve women’s healthcare. I will fight for reproductive rights and make sure that maternal health is addressed.
- Finally, I want to do more work on education. I have worked in education for decades and I will continue to support education and make sure career and technical education is expanded.
What standards or criteria do you use to determine effective legislation, and how do you incorporate constituent input in the policymaking process?
I am pragmatic. The 114th District is diverse and honestly is representative of all parts of the country. Rural, suburban, and Urban. Black majority, white majority, and Hispanic majority. Losing population, gaining population. I’ll make sure that every piece of legislation is compared to my values and, as I knock on doors and meet with constituents, I make sure to listen to their wants and needs.
Does the national environment impact the legislation you would advocate for in Illinois regarding reproductive freedom and healthcare?
No. I believe that women and doctors can make their own decisions. If the national environment changes, I will continue to support reproductive freedom.
How will you prioritize improving maternal healthcare outcomes and addressing disparities in maternal mortality rates among women in Illinois?
I am proud of my record on maternal health. I wrote the bill that created the Maternal Health Review Board in IL. That board reviews and makes recommendations on how to improve maternal health outcomes. I will continue to prioritize maternal health care by making sure we empower and implement the recommendations of the Maternal Health Review Board.
How do you propose Illinois can enhance access to affordable childcare and support services for working mothers?
Governor Pritzker’s Smart Start plan is essential to making sure that every child has access to quality childcare from a young age. I’ll make sure that the rollout of Smart Start is focused on communities that need these services the most. Smart Start not only means that children get a quality early childhood education, but it also makes it possible for working mothers to know that their children are getting that quality care, while they focus on providing for their families.
Closing comments
I have lived in the 114th District all of my life, this is my home. I have the experience, temperament, and leadership skills to bring the 114th District together and move us forward. Since being elected, I have worked tirelessly to bring resources to our District, but there is more work to be done. I will continue to work on issues that affect all of us; issues focused on social justice, equity, and opportunity, specifically centered around job creation, economic growth, education funding, living wage, reproductive health, maternal and infant mortality, and access to healthcare.
If you would like to learn more about LaToya N Greenwood and her platform or volunteer for her campaign, please check out her website at latoyagreenwood.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Facebook, Twitter, 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.)
