Member Spotlight: IL Representative Jil Tracy
When she decided to run for the vacant Illinois House of Representatives seat left by Art Tenhouse in 2006, Jil Tracy believed that she had a unique set of life experiences that would help her in the position. She had earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, a law degree from Southern Illinois University School of Law and was a practicing attorney. She had experience working for the Attorney General’s office and with the City of Mt. Sterling. Her father and grandfather had been politically active. And, her husband’s family owned Dot Foods, making her keenly aware of state-imposed challenges to the business community.
“All of a sudden, it seemed that there was this assault on business in the State of Illinois,” she says. “It was apparent that we had to get involved to make Illinois better. Increased fees, regulation and taxes were driving Illinois businesses and economic opportunities out of the State. Illinois was becoming one of the highest cost of doing business states in the nation and that certainly is not the direction we needed to grow.”
Tracy soon learned that political change doesn’t happen overnight.
“We are dealing with very complex issues,” she says, noting bond downgrading, pensions and the state budget. “But, I think we take the status quo for granted sometimes and believe that things can’t change. They can. (The State of Illinois) was on a train collision course six years ago and I do see many reforms that have started.”
Tracy also sees many cuts that still need to be made.
“Government is not exactly like business, but there are certain business principles we should get back to. We should project revenues, then make spending decisions. It’s going to be very painful for the next few years,” she warns.
Tracy believes that discussion with the business community is critical, which is why she continues her membership in the Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce.
“The business community is now very engaged and that’s the silver lining in this whole thing,” she says. “Politicians need to understand how the process impacts the business community. I want to keep discussions open; I want input from the business community.”
In addition to studying and voting on legislation, Tracy and her staff also help constituents work through the red tape often found in government departments.
“By the time a constituent comes to us for help, they have made many phone calls to state departments and searched endlessly on the internet for answers. We’re their last resort,” she says. “My assistant, Barb, is extremely patient and tenacious, and she knows how to get people help within the government agencies. Sometimes, it just takes a call from an elected official’s office to get the paperwork moved to the top of the pile. I want to work to see that our state government works efficiently again so that this type of intervention is not required.”
If you need help working with a government department or are concerned about a piece of proposed legislation, call Tracy at (217) 223-0833. For more information on current legislation, visit www.jiltracy.com.
