The Connection

Incumbent, unopposed

Town of residence: Springfield, VA

Age: 51

Family: Married to Bob Corn, two children: Jeremy and Alana

Education: B.A. Ithaca College, J.D. American University

Offices held, dates: Member, House of Delegates, 2010-present

Occupation and relevant experience: Director of Government Relations, Albers and Company. Member: Commerce and Labor Committee, Finance Committee, Transportation Committee, Governor’s Climate Change and Resiliency Update Commission, Health Insurance Reform Commission, Joint Commission on Technology and Science, Joint Commission on Transportation Accountability, Virginia Commission on Intergovernmental Cooperation.

Community involvement: Current Chair of Jobs for Virginia Graduates, Virginia State Director, Women in Government. Member, Women’s Legislative Network Board for National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL). Center for Public Policy Innovation’s (CPPI) Board of Directors and the Jewish Foundation for Group Homes’ Board of Directors. Past Member, Board of Directors for the 2015 World Police and Fire Games in Fairfax County.

Website: www.eileenfillercorn.com

Email address: Eileen@eileenfillercorn.com

Twitter handle: @EFillerCorn

Name three favorite endorsements: Virginia Education Association, Sierra Club, Northern Virginia Technology Council Tech PAC

Questions

What is one issue that defines your call to serve, why does it matter, and how will you tackle it?

One of my proudest legislative achievements was the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which establishes 529-like savings accounts for families of people with disabilities. This bipartisan bill passed both chambers of the General Assembly earlier this year and was signed into law by Gov. McAuliffe. The federal version of the bill originated from the late Stephen Beck who was also a resident of the 41st District, and is considered to be one of the most important disability rights bills passed since the ADA. I was proud to patron the first state bill passed after the federal law was enacted. Making a difference in the lives of so many families remains my goal in office.

What distinguishes you from your opponent(s) and why should voters choose you?

While I do not have an opponent this year, I have a long history of service to Virginia and Fairfax County. Since being elected in 2010, I am proud to have earned a reputation for working across party lines, while focusing on our schools, roads and maintaining public safety. Experience, knowledge, and strong relationships are critically important in this position.

Given the political makeup of the state legislature, what examples from your own experience suggests you can successfully bridge the intense partisan differences there?

While currently serving as the House Democratic Whip, I also believe in finding common ground in order to achieve results. I believe in bringing all sides of an issue to the table. When developing legislation, I often focus on building coalitions as we strive to find commonality and compromise. A reasoned approach and willingness to hear all sides is critically important in developing and passing quality legislation.

In order, list your top 5 specific legislative priorities.

1. Education;
2. Economy;
3. Transportation;
4. Public Safety, including Gun Safety;
5. Advocating for the Disability Community

How has your district changed in the last 10 years? What caused those changes?

Over the past ten years, the 41st District has continued to be a great place to live and raise a family. While sequestration continues to affect our region, we have made great strides since the recession. Looking forward, it is important to me that we continue to diversify our economy and continue to fight for our quality schools, including the four high schools in the district: Lake Braddock, Robinson, West Springfield, and Woodson.

Will you support legislation restricting high interest lending including car title loans?

Yes, I would support such legislation. While there are not many car title lenders in the 41st District, there’s been an increase of them in Northern Virginia. It is very important that consumers need to be well aware of what they are agreeing to in the contracts they sign, and they should not be burdened with unnecessarily high interest rates and fees.

Will you support funding for Fostering Connections which would result in an influx of federal funding for foster children aging out of foster care?

I would be interested in looking at potential legislation. Related bills have been proposed in the Senate in 2014 and 2015, although I have never had the opportunity to vote on them. While they passed unanimously out of the Senate, both times the bills died in committee in the House.

Do you support expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, and if so, what would you do to make that happen?

Yes, I wholeheartedly support closing the coverage gap. I have spoken out vigorously on the Floor of the House of Delegates several times in support of Medicaid expansion. Virginia is clearly in the minority of states who have not expanded Medicaid. It’s the right thing to do for Virginians and it’s the right thing to do for our economy. The money is there. All we have to do is say yes.