Tenure

First elected to the Senate in 2010. Member of the Senate since 2011. Member of the Maryland House of Delegates, 1991-2011.

Current Assignments

2023 Majority Whip

2023 Budget and Taxation Committee

2023 Education, Business, and Administration Subcommittee of the Budget and Taxation Committee

2023 Pensions Subcommittee of the Budget and Taxation Committee

2023 Joint Committee on Pensions

2023 Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee

2015 Joint Committee on Fair Practices and State Personnel Oversight

2011- Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families

2015 Joint Committee on Ending Homelessness

2011 Select Committee No. 7, Prince George's County Senate Delegation (Chair, 2019, 2022)

2005 Maryland Veterans Caucus

2019 Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus

1991- Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland (Chair, 1995-1996; Treasurer 2004-2010; Chaplain, 2017-2024)

1991- Women Legislators of Maryland

Past Senate Service

Deputy Majority Leader, 2020-2023; Assistant Deputy Majority Leader, 2017-2019; Chair, Rules Committee, 2019-2023; Finance Committee, 2015-2023; Health and Long-Term Care Subcommittee of the Finance Committee, 2019-2023; Health Subcommittee of the Finance Committee, 2017-2019; Paycheck Recovery Commission, 2016-2017; Workgroup on the Maryland Open Transportation Investment Decision Act, 2017-2019; Senate Co-Chair, Joint Committee on Protocol, 2015-2019; Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 2011-2014; Education Subcommittee of the Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee, 2011-2014; Health Occupations Subcommittee of the Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee, 2011-2014; Joint Committee on Unemployment Insurance Oversight, 2017-2023; Financial Consumer Protection Commission, 2017-2019; Joint Committee on the Management of Public Funds, 2015-2023; Chair, Joint Committee on Access to Mental Health Services, 2013-2014; Joint Committee on Welfare Reform, 2011-2014; Standing Committee on Reapportionment and Redistricting, 2011-2012; Task Force on the Establishment of a Statewide Spay/Neuter Fund, Senate Chair, 2011-2012; Commission to Study Campaign Finance Law, 2011-2012.

Past House Service 1991-2011

Government Operations Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2007-2011; Protocol Committee, 2007-2011; Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families, 2003-2011; Health and Government Operations Committee, 2003-2011; Prince George’s County Delegation, 2007-2011; Minority Health Disparities Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2005-2011; House Chair, Joint Committee on Access to Mental Health Services, 2005-2011; Rules and Executive Nominations Committee, 2001-2011; Pharmaceuticals Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2005-2006; Chair, Law Enforcement and State-Appointed Boards Committee, 1999-2006; Insurance Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2005; Health Occupations Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2003-2004; Long-Term Care Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2003-2004; Public Health Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2003-2004; Commerce and Government Matters Committee, 1994-2003; Vice Chair, Commerce and Government Matters Committee, 2001-2003; Chair, State Government and Procurement Subcommittee of the Commerce and Governmental Matters Committee, 1999-2003; Deputy Majority Leader, 1999-2001; Procurement Subcommittee of the Commerce and Government Matters Committee, 1995-1998; Chair, State Government and Civil Rights Subcommittee of the Commerce and Government Matters Committee, 1995-1998; Environmental Matters Committee, 1992-1993; Constitutional and Administrative Law Committee, 1991-1992.

Public Service

Governor's Workforce Development Board, 2020-; Maryland State Council on Cancer Control, 2019-2020; Prince George's County - Affordable Housing Commission, 2018-; Maryland Medicaid Advisory Committee, 2017-2019; Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee, 2011-; Task Force to Study the Impact of Adjunct Faculty on Graduation Rates at Historically Black Institutions, 2011-2013; Task Force on the Establishment of a Statewide Spay/Neuter Fund, 2011-2013; Maryland School-Based Health Care Policy Advisory Council, 2007-2011; Maryland Commission on Disabilities, 2004-2011; Task Force to Study Repealing the Disenfranchisement of Convicted Felons in Maryland, 2001; Task Force to Study the History and Legacy of Slavery in Maryland, 1999; Delegate, Democratic Party National Convention, 1996; Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland (Chair 1995-96), 1991-; Chair, Civil Rights committee of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, 2000; Chair, State Budget Committee of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, 2000; Chair, Education Committee of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, 2001-; Treasurer, Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, 2004-2010.

Memberships

Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Caucus, 2003-; Honorary Life Member, Girl Scouts of America, 1980-; Coalition of 100 Black Women; Prince George’s County Educator’s Association, Negotiations Team; Maryland State Teacher’s Association (MTSA); National Education Association (NEA); Prince George’s Bargaining Council; Coalition of Economic Development; Black Democratic Council.

Awards

Wayne K. Curry Award for Leadership in Public Service, Community Foundation of Prince George's County, 2019; Phyllis Campbell Newsome Public Policy Leadership Award, Center for Nonprofit Advancement, 2009; Certificate of Appreciation, Maryland Municipal League, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008; Community Service Award, J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association, 1989; For Love of Children Award, Kiwanis Club of Capitol Centre, 1985; Outstanding Minority Leader, Outstanding and Dedicated Services to Children and Youth, Outstanding Minority Leadership Award, Outstanding Educator, Prince George’s County Public Schools; Outstanding Community Service Award, Las Amigas; Citizen of Year, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; Outstanding Minority Educator, MSTA Minority Caucus.

Biographical Information

Born, Roanoke, Virginia, March 11, 1941; South Hagerstown High School; Bowie State College, B.S., Elementary Education, 1962; Catholic University of America, M.A., Curriculum and Instruction, 1974; George Washington University; Retired Educator; School Administrator; Former School Principal, Prince George’s County Public School System; Member, First Baptist Church of Glenarden.