PLANO, Ill. — DuPage County Board Member Saba Haider is seeking the Democratic nomination for the 84th District State Representative seat in the March primary election.

Haider lives in Aurora and immigrated to the United States 20 years ago from India to start a business.

She says her top priority is affordability for Illinois residents.

"The tariffs are affecting our grocery bills, they are affecting our small businesses," Haider said. "So, making sure affordability is something that is at the top of the mind of all our legislators at the state level. Making sure we keep our taxes low because the families are really struggling and if we can take that burden off of them that will help hugely in terms of how our families feel like they have a moment to breathe and just feel a little bit more at ease."

Haider also says she would like to see the state take on a larger share of school funding so property owners are less burdened by education costs.

At the state level, Haider says maintaining a balanced budget and ensuring steady state revenue are key priorities. She notes that state funding affects communities through healthcare and other human services.

Haider says she would bring her experience in local government to the Illinois Statehouse. She calls her time at the county a valuable learning experience, where she has worked across a wide range of functions.

Haider also teaches yoga and meditation and trains instructors in both.

She will run against Jared Ploger of Aurora for the Democratic nomination. Listen to WSPY news for a candidate profile on Ploger in the coming days.

You can hear more from Haider by clicking below: