Juliana Stratton

Where Stratton stands

Grouped by topic by Vote Book; headings and quoted words are the candidate’s own, with the source under each one. “As reported” items are a news outlet’s description, not an exact quote.

Education

What should the federal government do to provide an equitable, quality public education for all children pre-K through grade 12?

Education is a fundamental right. I’ll fight to ensure every student can access the quality education they deserve. Illinois has proven that investing in students works: our high school graduation rate is the highest in 14 years and our 8th graders have the second highest reading scores and fifth highest math scores nationwide. Public education creates opportunities for the middle class. That’s we should: restore and rebuild the Department of Education as a guardian of public education and civil rights, protect funding for Head Start and early childhood learning programs from Trump’s cuts, and fund wraparound student support programs from broadband access to housing assistance, so students can focus on learning, not surviving.

Jobs, wages & cost of living

Making Life More Affordable

Making life more affordable will be one of Juliana’s key priorities at the federal level too. As Senator, some of Juliana’s key legislative priorities would include: Ending Trump’s Trade War and Tax on Working Families

Creating Opportunities for the Middle Class

Hard work should be a pathway to a middle class life, but for too long, the American Dream has been out of reach for so many. That’s why in Illinois, Juliana has worked alongside Governor Pritzker to expand opportunities for the middle class: creating new jobs, investing in 21st century industries, and lowering the cost of job training so workers can get higher-paying jobs.

What will you do to support a vibrant economy in our country?

Life is too expensive. Trump’s tariffs and rampant corporate greed skyrocket prices on everything from food to health care to utilities, and our families are suffering as a result. Illinoisans deserve a life where they can put food on the table without worrying about making rent or skipping their medication to afford it. Alongside Governor Pritzker, I’ve helped bring down costs, eliminate the grocery tax, raise the minimum wage, relieve medical debt, and lower prescription drug prices – putting money back in your pockets. I’ll fight for a $25 minimum wage, Medicare for All, and a tax cut for the middle class. I want to cut red tape, build more homes, and ensure that families aren’t competing with big banks to afford housing.

Foreign policy

What is the US’ responsibility in supporting international institutions such as the United Nations, NATO, and the International Criminal Court?

As a world superpower, the U.S. has a duty to support and defend democracy and human rights around the globe. I’d support restoring funding for the USAID, rejoining international partnerships that uplift some of the world’s most vulnerable populations, and strengthening NATO to secure our mutual interests. The U.S. should be a partner for peace and international efforts to combat disease, hunger, and the countless other problems that afflict global populations. We should join efforts to provide humanitarian aid for countries suffering from natural disasters and global conflict. We cannot turn our backs on our allies and we cannot sit idly by as innocent people suffer when we have such capacity to be a force for good in this world.

Elections, ethics & government

Protecting Your Rights and Our Democracy

Donald Trump and his powerful friends are carrying out unprecedented attacks on our rights, our democracy, and everything that makes us Americans. As they roll back the clock on our freedoms, they’re also dismantling our systems, ignoring the Constitution, and disregarding the courts. The goal? To give Donald Trump and his allies unchecked power – not to make life any better for our families.

What measures do you support to improve and secure elections and voting access in our country?

My father marched from Selma to Montgomery for voting rights 60 years ago and I’m proud to take on the fight today. Working with Gov. Pritzker, I’ve helped expand voter protections and access: creating permanent voter by mail registry, extending voting hours, and making Election Day a state holiday. Congressional Republicans are attempting to disenfranchise millions of Americans, attacking voting access with the SAVE Act. Our authoritarian president doesn’t want us to even have elections. I’ll fight for our fundamental right to vote. I’d support passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and push for policies like expanded voting hours and stronger mail services to ensure you not only can vote, but feel you have a true voice in our democracy.

What, if anything, should the federal government do to reduce the role of money in American elections?

I’m the only leading candidate who refuses to accept a dime of corporate PAC money in this race because I’ll always put the needs of Illinoisans over special interests. To improve civic engagement and ensure everyone’s voice is heard, we need true campaign finance reform, and I would fight to end Citizens United, ban corporate PACs, prohibit members of Congress from trading individual stocks, and crack down on dark money in politics. I’ve been endorsed by End Citizens United because they recognize I’m the only viable candidate committed to putting Illinois’ working families above corporate special interests.

Families & communities

Fighting for Illinois’ Working Families

GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT Juliana knows that working families need government to be a partner – not a roadblock. That’s why she fights to make life easier for Illinoisans. Now, she’s ready to take that fight to the United States Senate.