Tenure

First elected to the Senate in 2010. Member of the Senate since 2011.

Current Assignments

2011- Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee

2011- Education Subcommittee of the Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee

2011- Health Occupations Subcommittee of the Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee

2013- Chair, Joint Committee on Access to Mental Health Services

2011- Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families

2011- Joint Committee on Welfare Reform

1991- Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland

1991- Women Legislators of Maryland

Past Senate Service

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

Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee, 2011-; Task Force to Study the Impact of Adjunct Faculty on Graduation Rates at Historically Black Institutions, 2011-; Task Force on the Establishment of a Statewide Spay/Neuter Fund, 2011-; Maryland School-Based Health Care Policy Advisory Council, 2007-2011; Maryland Commission on Disabilities, 2004-2011; Legislative Committee, Women Legislators of Maryland, 2001-; 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, 1991-; Chair, Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, 1995-1996; 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 Veterans Caucus, 2005-; 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

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; Single.