Senator Emil Jones, Jr. presents...
"Know
Your African American State Legislators"
Dear Friends,
Thank you for visiting our website. On the following
pages you will find useful information about the 33 members
of the Senate Democratic Majority Caucus, including their
biographies, assigned Senate Committees, district office
information and recent news releases.
When I was sworn in as Senate President, I quoted the
late Congresswoman from Texas, Barbara Jordan, who said,
"What the people want is very simple. They want an
America as good as its promise."
In the 2003 spring session of the 93rd General Assembly,
that is exactly what we tried to accomplish with legislation
we passed such as a discount prescription drug program
for senior citizens who don't have insurance coverage.
We also passed legislation that safeguards equal pay for
equal work and increases the minimum wage to $6.50 per
hour.
We passed a budget that was based on no new taxes, no
new gaming and a leaner, stronger state government. We
passed $424.8 million more for elementary and secondary
education, a $250 increase in funding for each child,
a $100 million increase in categoricals - full funding,
and secured the 23rd and 24th payment for school districts
throughout Illinois.
At the higher education level, legislation to cap tuition
at the first year level was sent to the Governor, implementing
much needed savings for families statewide at public universities.
We also acted to implement groundbreaking reforms to
Illinois' criminal justice system. As a result, Illinois
will be the first state in the nation to pass legislation
that requires the videotaping of interrogations in murder
cases.
The legislative victories we saw this year are the result
of your input and letting your legislators know your priorities.
Working together we accomplished many goals for our children,
working families and laid the foundation for a stronger
Illinois economy.
Again, thank you for visiting our website. If you have
any questions, please email us at jones@senatedem.state.il.us,
call me in the Chicago office, 312/814-2075 or in Springfield
217/782-2728.
Sincerely,
Emil Jones, Jr.
Illinois Senate President
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