Hello! To introduce myself\, here is a little bit about me:
I live in Evanston and have represented the people of the 18th Legislative District since 2010. During my time in the Illinois House of Representatives\, I have worked hard to earn a reputation as an independent legislative leader\, successfully passing over fifty sponsored bills\, including fifteen during the current administration.
Before coming to the legislature I was the Executive Director of the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition (since renamed EverThrive Illinois) from 1988 to 2010. I earned a B.A. from Beloit College\, an M.S.P.H. from the University of Illinois Chicago &ndash\; School of Public Health\, and an M.J. in health law from Loyola University Chicago.
I serve as the Chair of the House Human Services Committee\, the
\nVice-Chair of the House Human Services &ndash\; Appropriations Committee and Museums\, Arts &\; Cultural Enhancements Committee\, and as a member of the committees on Insurance\, Renewable Energy &\; Sustainability\, Juvenile Justice &\; System Involved Youth\, Environment\, and Small Business Empowerment &\; Workforce Development. In 2015\, I \;was appointed co-chair of the Violence Prevention Task Force.
My main \;areas of focus are in ensuring the safety of our children\, championing environmental and clean energy issues\, guaranteeing the rights of women\, reforming government to be inclusive and effective\, and reducing and preventing gun violence.