About the Candidate
Name: Robin Kelly
DOB: April 30, 1956
Occupation: Member of Congress
Political Experience: Illinois House of Representatives 2003-2007, US House of Representatives 2013-present
Website: robinkellyforcongress.org
Twitter: @RobinLynneKelly
Candidate Statement
Hello, I am Congresswoman Robin Kelly.
I have had the honor and the privilege of serving the people of Illinois' 2nd Congressional District since 2013 and look forward to continuing as your representative when the 117th Congress convenes next January.
The 2nd district starts at 53rd and Cornell and goes all the way down to Kankakee county. It is a district rich in diversity. It's urban, suburban and rural. The district is a microcosm of America.
As a member of congress I have fought to improve America's healthcare system by working to lower the cost of care and prescription drugs.
The House recently passed the Orange Book Transparency Act, which I sponsored to lower prescription drug prices.
I am in discussions with the Senate to help pass my Helping Moms Act of 2019 which will extend Medicaid or CHIP eligibility for new mothers for up to a year after giving birth.
Finding solutions to end our nation's gun violence epidemic is a priority for me and it is a problem that hits close to home for people throughout my district.
Besides being a co-sponsor of the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, I have introduced legislation to address gun trafficking by making straw purchases a federal crime.
Since the Democrats have taken control of the House we have worked hard on our "For The People" agenda and we have passed 430 bills with 80 percent of those bills waiting to be called in the Senate.
I am proud of my office and the responsive service my staff provides to constituents.
As we look forward, there is so much to be done as we continue to work on and pass legislation that benefits all Americans. As a member of Congress, I will continue to do my part in bringing us together as a nation.
In this election year I hope that people throughout the 2nd district and across this country will show up at the polls and vote in record numbers.
I am Robin Kelly and I ask for your vote.
Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
I have dedicated my career to service and have had the honor of serving at the local, county, state and federal levels. Since 2013 I have had the privilege of representing the 2nd Congressional District on Capitol Hill as an advocate for Illinois families and I hope to continue my service to them.
What is your vision for this office?
My priorities are expanding access to healthcare, addressing gun safety, consumer protection and economic development. Additionally, my district offices focus on constituent services and are responsive to the needs of the people of the 2nd District.
What do you think is the most pressing issue facing your constituents and how do you plan on addressing it?
Improving America’s healthcare and making health care costs and the price of prescription drugs affordable. The Affordable Care Act helped rouse reforms in the delivery of American healthcare, and we’re all better for it. While the ACA helped spur critical investments in important preventative and population health measures, the ACA alone cannot bridge the health divide. It is important that the public health, legislative, and scientific communities coordinate to address health inequality in a targeted and aggressive manner. As a Member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, I have worked tirelessly to introduce common-sense, practical health reforms that support the objectives of the Affordable Care Act. HealthCare is a human right, and I support legislative reforms that benefit the overall well-being of our communities and that reduce barriers to accessing care. Last year, I introduced, and the House passed, the Orange Book Transparency Act (H.R. 1503). This legislation will increase access to lower cost generic drugs and bolster competition in the marketplace to drive down prescription drug costs by making technical changes to the Orange Book and listing process.
