Kina Collins

Collins studied at Louisiana State University.[1] Collins' professional experience includes working as a political organizer and founding the Chicago Neighborhood Alliance.[1]

Kina Collins did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

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Campaign websiteCollins' campaign website stated the following:LEARN MORE ABOUTOur Campaign’s Top IssuesKINA BELIEVES INA Moral Vision for Chicago 7thOur district is rich in history, culture, and courage, from the Great Migration to the Great Recession, the people of the 7th have never stopped fighting for what’s right. We are the workers, the dreamers, the parents, the organizers, and the elders who built Chicago from the ground up. Yet, too often, our government has failed to match our courage with its care.We see it every day, in the senior rationing insulin, the teacher buying supplies out of her paycheck, the renter choosing between groceries and rent, the youth dodging bullets on their walk home. These are not the inevitable outcomes of urban life; they are the consequences of policy choices. And we have the power to choose differently.My vision for Illinois’ 7th Congressional District is simple but profound: every person deserves to live with dignity, safety, and opportunity, no exceptions. That means Medicare for All, housing as a human right, fair wages, clean air and water, and an economy that centers people over profit. It means investing in communities, not cages, in schools, not prisons, in peace, not perpetual war.It means ending the false choices that divide us, between safety and justice, growth and equity, or prosperity and sustainability. We can have all of these if we build a government as bold and compassionate as the people it serves.In Congress, I will not only advocate for policies but also fight for our people. For the single parent in Austin working two jobs without healthcare. For the union worker in Bellwood demanding fair wages. For the immigrant family in Pilsen, seeking safety and a sense of belonging. For the young people in West Englewood, daring to dream of a future without violence or fear.Our struggle is collective, and so is our liberation. The path forward will be built by all of us, organizers, faith leaders, youth, and elders, standing shoulder to shoulder, demanding what we deserve: a government that loves us back.KINA BELIEVES INDignity for SeniorsOur elders built this district; they deserve to age with dignity, stability, and care. I’ll fight to protect Social Security and Medicare, lower prescription drug costs, expand home- and community-based care, and ensure every senior in the 7th can live a full and supported life.In Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, nearly one in five residents is over the age of 60, and far too many are struggling to make ends meet. The average Social Security benefit barely covers the cost of rent in Chicago, and prescription drug prices have more than tripled over the past decade. In neighborhoods like Austin and Lawndale, many seniors live on fixed incomes in aging housing stock that’s unsafe or inaccessible, while vital programs like Meals on Wheels and in-home care remain underfunded.Our elders deserve better.They deserve the peace of mind they have earned through a lifetime of work and contribution. That’s why I will protect and expand Social Security and Medicare, not cut them. I’ll oppose any effort to raise the retirement age or privatize these essential programs. Instead, I’ll support the Social Security 2100 Act (H.R. 4583), which strengthens the trust fund, expands benefits, and ensures every senior can retire with dignity.I will also champion the Medicare for All Act (H.R. 3421), ensuring that every senior and every person has full coverage for vision, dental, hearing, and long-term care. No one should have to skip medication or delay care because of cost.To make prescription drugs affordable, I’ll build on the Inflation Reduction Act’s progress by supporting legislation to allow Medicare to negotiate all drug prices and cap insulin costs at $35 for everyone, not just those on Medicare.Aging with dignity also means being able to remain safely in your home and community. I’ll co-sponsor the Better Care Better Jobs Act, which expands funding for home- and community-based services (HCBS) so that older adults can receive care at home, caregivers can earn living wages, and families can breathe easier knowing their loved ones are supported.For seniors facing housing insecurity, I’ll support the Affordable Housing for Seniors Act, which expands Section 202 housing programs and invests in retrofitting public housing for accessibility and energy efficiency.And because too many of our elders live in isolation, I’ll push for federal investment in senior centers, digital literacy programs, and mental health supports to combat loneliness and strengthen intergenerational connections across our communities.Our elders are the backbone of this district: veterans, retired teachers, caregivers, and lifelong organizers who fought for the rights we now enjoy. We owe them more than survival; we owe them joy, security, and respect.In Congress, I’ll make sure every senior in Illinois’ 7th District can age with dignity, surrounded by care, community, and love.KINA BELIEVES INEconomic DevelopmentBuilding a Strong, Inclusive Local EconomyA strong economy starts with investing in the people, neighborhoods, and businesses of our communities. In the 7th Congressional District, we have immense talent, creativity, and potential, but systemic inequities too often block our communities from thriving. In Congress, I will fight for policies that create good jobs, support small businesses, expand access to capital, and ensure economic justice for all residents.Support for Small and Local BusinessesSmall businesses are the backbone of our communities. I will:Increase access to capital for local entrepreneurs, particularly women, Black, Latino, and immigrant-owned businesses, through programs like the Small Business Administration (SBA) Community Advantage Program and federal grant initiatives like the Build Back Better Small Business Investment Fund.Expand community development financial institutions (CDFIs) by supporting legislation such as the CDFI Fund Reauthorization Act, ensuring underserved neighborhoods can access loans, credit, and business services.Incentivize locally-owned businesses to grow through federal tax credits, workforce development support, and procurement opportunities.Workforce Development & Job CreationEvery resident deserves access to meaningful, well-paying work. I will:Invest in job training programs aligned with high-demand industries such as clean energy, technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing through support for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and targeted federal grants.Support apprenticeship programs and union partnerships, connecting students and young adults to career-track opportunities through legislation like the National Apprenticeship Act.Promote equitable employment for returning citizens by expanding programs under the Second Chance Act and advocating for federal contracts to prioritize businesses that hire formerly incarcerated individuals.Expand funding for YouthBuild programs, linking skills development directly to local housing, energy, and infrastructure projects.Innovation & Green EconomyOur local economy should lead the way in sustainability and innovation. I will:Champion investment in green infrastructure and renewable energy jobs through programs like the Green New Deal, the Clean Energy Jobs Act, and funding initiatives under the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).Support small businesses in clean energy and sustainable agriculture, leveraging federal grant programs such as the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program.Encourage tech and innovation hubs in underserved neighborhoods, providing residents access to mentorship, tools, and networks through federal initiatives like the TechHire program and the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.Community Revitalization & Equitable DevelopmentEconomic growth should lift neighborhoods, not displace them. I will:Expand affordable housing and small business support in redevelopment projects using programs like the National Housing Trust Fund, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), and Opportunity Zones with equity protections.Promote local hiring requirements for federally-funded infrastructure projects through legislation like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).Invest in arts and culture as economic drivers, leveraging federal initiatives like the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants to support local artists and cultural institutions.Fair and Inclusive Economic PolicyEconomic policy must reduce disparities and create opportunities for everyone. I will:Raise the federal minimum wage through support for legislation like the Raise the Wage Act. I support a federal minimum wage of at least $25/hr.Protect workers’ rights, including collective bargaining, paid leave, and equitable access to benefits through the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.Invest in public transportation and broadband, linking communities to jobs, education, and opportunity through programs funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Federal Communications Commission’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD).KINA BELIEVES INConstituent ServicesCommitment to Improved Constituent ServicesAs your Congresswoman, I am dedicated to ensuring that the residents of Illinois’ 7th Congressional District have a federal office that is accessible, responsive, and accountable. I believe that effective representation begins with listening to the community, understanding your needs, and providing timely assistance with federal programs and services.My office will prioritize:Accessibility for All Residents: Every constituent should have multiple ways to contact our office, including in-person appointments, virtual consultations, phone, and email support. We will ensure language access and culturally competent services to serve all residents.Responsive Casework: Whether it’s Social Security, veterans’ benefits, immigration inquiries, or federal grant programs, my office will provide expert guidance and hands-on support to help residents navigate federal bureaucracy efficiently and compassionately.Community Engagement & Accountability: I will hold regular town halls, listening sessions, and neighborhood visits throughout the 7th District to ensure your voice shapes policy priorities and federal initiatives. We will publish regular updates on casework outcomes and constituent concerns to maintain transparency and trust.Youth and Marginalized Populations: Our office will create programs specifically designed to ensure that young people, communities of color, and historically underserved populations have access to information, services, and civic participation opportunities.I am committed to bringing the power of Congress to your neighborhood and ensuring that no constituent feels unheard, overlooked, or unsupported. Together, we can build a district office that truly works for the people, by the people, and with the people.KINA BELIEVES INTax JusticeMaking the Wealthy Pay Their Fair ShareEconomic fairness starts with ensuring that the wealthiest Americans contribute their fair share to our communities. In Congress, I will fight to close loopholes, eliminate tax breaks that favor the ultra-rich, and invest the resulting revenue into programs that lift working families, expand opportunity, and strengthen the local economy in the 7th District.I support proposals like Senator Elizabeth Warren’s Ultra-Millionaire Tax, which would impose an annual tax on households with a net worth above $50 million. This tax would generate revenue to fund universal childcare, tuition-free public college, and expanded health care access. I also support Senator Bernie Sanders’ wealth tax proposals on households with wealth over $32 million, creating a system where those who have benefited most from our economy contribute meaningfully to the public good.No one should have to struggle to make ends meet while a handful of billionaires avoid paying their fair share. I will fight for a tax system that is progressive, fair, and just, ensuring that those who have benefited most from our economy contribute to building stronger communities, schools, and infrastructure in Illinois’ 7th Congressional District.Closing Tax LoopholesI will fight to:Eliminate tax loopholes for hedge funds, private equity, and carried interest, ensuring that income from investments is taxed at the same rate as wages.Crack down on offshore tax havens and corporate shelters that allow the wealthiest individuals and large corporations to avoid paying taxes.Close loopholes that favor inheritance for the ultra-wealthy, ensuring estates over $50 million are fairly taxed under proposals like the For the 99.5% Act (Warren/Sanders).Corporate ResponsibilityI will champion policies to hold corporations accountable and ensure they contribute to the communities they profit from:Implement a financial transaction tax, as proposed in progressive budgets, to generate revenue from high-volume trading and speculative activity.Strengthen corporate tax enforcement to prevent large multinational corporations from avoiding U.S. taxes, as outlined in Bernie Sanders’ corporate responsibility proposals.Require publicly traded companies to disclose CEO-to-worker pay ratios, promoting transparency and equitable compensation practices.Funding Social Programs for Working FamiliesRevenue generated from fair taxation will be reinvested in:Universal childcare and early education programsTuition-free public higher education and expanded Pell GrantsExpanded access to Medicare and public health initiativesWorkforce development, clean energy jobs, and community infrastructure projectsAffordable housing and small business support in underserved communitiesYOUR NAME BELIEVES INHealthcare Coverage + EquityEvery resident of Illinois’ 7th Congressional District deserves full access to quality, affordable healthcare. Health care is a fundamental human right, yet millions of Americans still face barriers to care, high costs, and discriminatory practices. I am committed to transforming our health system to meet the needs of every family, every child, and every senior in our district.Single Payer, Medicare-for-AllI will fight for a universal, single-payer Medicare-for-all system, ensuring that all residents, including immigrants and undocumented individuals, have access to comprehensive, quality healthcare. This system will address disparities in access, reduce administrative waste, and contain long-term costs through increased bargaining power. While we work toward this vision, I will also focus on closing gaps in coverage within the existing healthcare system, making sure no one falls through the cracks.Culturally Competent Medical CareHealthcare must be accessible to all, regardless of language or background. I will support legislation requiring insurance providers, including Medicaid, CHIP, and private insurers, to cover interpretation and translation services as part of standard patient care. By funding language services, we can dramatically improve outcomes for non-English speakers and ESL communities, ensuring that language is never a barrier to receiving care.Protecting LGBTQ+ Rights in HealthcareI will fight to preserve and strengthen protections for the LGBTQ+ community, safeguarding access to necessary medical care, mental health services, and substance use treatment. This includes addressing root causes of depression, anxiety, and substance misuse by supporting legislation such as the Customer Non-Discrimination Act and the Safe Schools Improvement Act. Every person deserves the ability to live a healthy, dignified life without discrimination.Preserving Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIPMedicare, Medicaid, and CHIP collectively serve more than 130 million Americans, including seniors, children, and working families. In Congress, I will advocate for the preservation and long-term sustainability of these programs, ensuring they remain a reliable safety net for future generations.Strengthening Public Health InfrastructureStrong public health systems are critical to prevention, crisis response, and community well-being. I will support continued CDC grants and federal resources for workforce training, public health infrastructure, and updated information systems. This will empower states and communities to respond to health emergencies, reduce disparities, and save lives.KINA BELIEVES INDemocracy for the PeopleOur democracy works best when everyone has an equal voice and an equal vote. But right now, billionaires, lobbyists, and special interests wield far too much power, drowning out the voices of everyday people. That’s why I proudly support H.R. 1, the For the People Act,  a bold reform package to put power back where it belongs: in the hands of the people.The For the People Act is a historic step toward building a government that is transparent, accountable, and truly representative of the people it serves. It’s about protecting our right to vote, ending political corruption, and restoring faith in our democracy.Kina’s Priorities: Protect and Expand the Right to VoteEstablish automatic and same-day voter registration.End partisan gerrymandering by requiring independent redistricting commissions.Restore voting rights for formerly incarcerated people who have completed their sentences.Expand early voting and vote-by-mail options nationwide.Make Election Day a federal holiday so every working person can cast their ballot.Get Big Money Out of PoliticsOverturn Citizens United and end unlimited corporate spending in our elections.Require transparency in campaign donations and ban dark money groups from buying influence.Support public financing of campaigns through small-dollar matching, ensuring that working people, not wealthy donors, decide who represents us.Strengthen Ethics and Accountability in GovernmentEnforce strong conflict-of-interest and ethics rules for members of Congress and the Supreme Court.Close the revolving door between Congress and corporate lobbyists.Require presidential candidates to disclose tax returns and financial interests.Ban members of Congress from trading individual stocks while in office.Build a Democracy That Includes EveryoneProtect voting access for people with disabilities, seniors, and those living in rural or underserved areas.Strengthen language access and ballot materials for multilingual communities.Defend the voting rights of Black, Brown, and Indigenous voters who have faced systemic suppression for generations.Kina Collins believes that democracy is not a privilege; it’s a right.The For the People Act is more than legislation; it’s a promise to rebuild trust in government, ensure every vote counts, and make Washington work for all of us, not just the wealthy few. I will fight to pass these reforms and continue the work of creating a democracy that truly reflects the people it represents.KINA BELIEVES INReproductive and Sexual HealthProtecting a Woman’s Right to ChooseI will fight to repeal the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortion services and disproportionately impacts low-income women, women of color, immigrants, and young people who rely on Medicaid.Expanding Access to Sexual Health EducationEvery young person deserves comprehensive, medically accurate sexual health education, inclusive of LGBTQ+ youth. I will oppose efforts to defund evidence-based programs such as the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program (TPP), and I will fight to protect Title X funding, ensuring that clinics like Planned Parenthood continue providing critical care.Supporting the Women’s Health Protection ActI will champion the Women’s Health Protection Act, which protects access to reproductive healthcare by prohibiting restrictive state and federal laws. This includes preventing crisis pregnancy centers from withholding full and accurate healthcare information from expectant mothers.KINA BELIEVES INMaternal HealthSupporting the MOMMA ActI support the Mothers and Offspring Maternal & Morbidity Awareness (MOMMA) Act, introduced by Representative Robin Kelly. This legislation tackles the alarming rise in Black maternal mortality by:Establishing standardized obstetric care protocols,Improving data collection systems, andExtending Medicaid coverage for new mothers up to one year postpartum.Expanding Access to Alternative Birthing OptionsDoulas, midwives, lactation counselors, and other paraprofessionals are essential yet underutilized resources in maternal care. I will fight to expand access to these services by:Licensing and standardizing care for doulas and midwives,Improving postpartum mental health services,Reducing disparities in breastfeeding support, andEnsuring holistic care is covered by public and private insurance.KINA BELIEVES INPublic Health and SafetyPublic health is the foundation of strong, resilient communities.In Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, we face urgent challenges, gun violence, trauma, environmental hazards, housing insecurity, and inequitable access to healthy food. I will fight in Congress to address these issues comprehensively, with a focus on prevention, equity, and community empowerment.Gun ViolenceGun violence is a public health epidemic, and it continues to devastate neighborhoods despite Illinois’ strong state laws. I will support federal legislation to:Ban assault weapons, bump stocks, and high-capacity magazines.Raise the legal age for gun purchases to 21 and require comprehensive background checks for all gun sales, closing loopholes that allow guns to flow from states with weaker laws.Fund the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to study gun violence as a public health crisis, ensuring research is robust, well-resourced, and actionable.Support the Zero Tolerance for Domestic Abusers Act, closing loopholes that allow individuals with histories of domestic abuse to obtain firearms.Gun violence prevention requires both legislation and community-based strategies to protect lives and promote safety in every neighborhood.TraumaTrauma affects children, families, and entire communities. I will champion:Investments in trauma-informed education, ensuring students have access to safe and supportive learning environments.Flexible funding for local initiatives, allowing schools and community organizations to pilot innovative approaches to address childhood and community trauma.Programs that help families heal from violence, addiction, and other forms of adversity, recognizing that trauma impacts long-term health, education, and economic outcomes.Substance Abuse as a Public Health EmergencyAddiction and substance use disorders are public health crises, not crimes. The federal war on drugs has criminalized addiction, devastated communities, and diverted resources away from prevention and treatment. As your Congresswoman, I will reframe our approach, prioritizing prevention, treatment, and recovery over incarceration.I strongly support the Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency (CARE) Act, introduced by Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Elijah Cummings. This landmark legislation proposes $100 billion in long-term investment to states and communities most affected by the opioid crisis. It represents the kind of decisive, sustained action we need to address addiction and its ripple effects on families and communities.Environment & Climate HealthEnvironmental justice is public health justice. I will act to:Combat climate change, sponsoring legislation to reduce pollution and mitigate extreme weather and heat events that disproportionately impact low-income communities.Streamline federal data collection, linking environmental conditions to health outcomes so that policies and programs address real, measurable community needs.Protect neighborhoods from environmental hazards like lead contamination and air pollution, with a focus on vulnerable populations and frontline communities.Housing & HealthSafe, healthy housing is essential for physical and mental well-being. I will:Expand Medicaid funding to support housing-related health interventions, helping families access stable and healthy homes.Advance equitable housing policies, including the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule, to promote desegregation and opportunity.Strengthen Housing Choice Voucher programs, expanding subsidies so more families can choose safe, high-quality housing without fear of displacement or overcrowding.Healthy Food & NutritionAccess to nutritious food is a basic determinant of health. I will fight to:Address food deserts by supporting federal tax credits and grants for full-service grocery stores in underserved communities.Incentivize smaller retailers to stock healthy and affordable food options.Expand the Healthy Food Financing Initiative, providing sustainable investment to ensure all residents have access to fresh produce and nutritious meals within walking distance.KINA BELIEVES INAffordable HousingSafe, Affordable, and Equitable Homes for AllAccess to safe, affordable housing is a cornerstone of thriving communities. In Congress, I will fight for policies that protect tenants, expand homeownership opportunities, and ensure equitable access to housing across the 7th District and the nation.Protecting Renters and Federal Housing ProgramsFamilies deserve stability and dignity in their homes. I will:Protect existing federal rental assistance programs and fight against unsustainable rent increases that burden families.Expand Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs) so more households can choose where they live without compromising their financial security.Increase funding for the National Housing Trust Fund, supporting the development and preservation of affordable housing.Renew funding for HUD’s Section 202 program, the only federal program explicitly serving seniors, which has not supported new construction since 2011.Expand Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) programs, connecting families to opportunities that help them achieve long-term financial independence.Pathways to HomeownershipI believe every family should have a fair shot at owning a home. I will:Support legislation that expands federal assistance for low-income families seeking to purchase homes.Invest federal funding in creating diverse housing stock, putting more money in the pockets of renters earning under $100,000 who spend more than 30% of their income on housing.Advocate for pilot programs providing federal matching funds to states developing comprehensive smart growth plans that integrate both affordable and market-rate housing.Housing Equity and Fair AccessEquity and inclusion are essential in housing policy. I will:Promote Medicaid support for housing-related services, recognizing the strong link between stable housing and health outcomes.Advance the Affirmatively Further Fair Housing rule, ensuring equitable access to housing for all communities.Ensure green space equity in public housing planning, collaborating with federal, state, and local stakeholders to improve access to parks and community spaces.Expand VAWA protections to cover private housing, supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.Support access for formerly incarcerated individuals, removing barriers to federal housing assistance and banning discrimination based on marijuana convictions.Supporting Artists and Youth in HousingHousing isn’t just about shelter; it’s about building vibrant, creative communities. I will:Establish federal incentives for municipalities to reserve affordable housing for certified, income-eligible artists, supporting cultural vitality in our neighborhoods.Increase funding for YouthBuild programs, which provide disconnected youth with education, professional skills, and the opportunity to contribute to affordable housing construction in their communities.KINA BELIEVES INCriminal Justice ReformSafety, Fairness, and Community-Centered JusticeOur justice system should protect communities, rehabilitate individuals, and ensure fairness for all, not exacerbate inequities or criminalize poverty. In Congress, I will champion reforms that support youth, reduce mass incarceration, and create a more equitable, humane system for everyone.Juvenile Justice ReformChildren deserve guidance and support, not a life marked by incarceration. I will:Support the Juvenile Justice Reform Act, including amendments to raise the age of adult prosecution to 18 and end federal juvenile life without parole sentences.Guarantee legal representation for migrant and unaccompanied children, ensuring fairness in immigration proceedings similar to protections in criminal court.Decriminalizing PovertyOur justice system should not punish people for being poor. I will:End the cash bail system, supporting the No Money Bail Act of 2017, which encourages alternatives that ensure court appearances without punishing low-income defendants.Limit exploitative fees, including excessive charges for inmate phone services, so families are not financially burdened by incarceration.Reframe substance use as a public health issue, expanding access to drug courts, treatment, and support rather than incarceration.Legalize and deschedule marijuana, commuting or expunging federal convi