Tenure

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

Current Assignments

2015 Finance Committee

2015 Health Subcommittee of the Finance Committee

2015 Joint Committee on Fair Practices and State Personnel Oversight

2015 Joint Committee on the Management of Public Funds

2015 Senate Co-Chair, Joint Committee on Protocol

2011- Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families

2015 Joint Committee on Ending Homelessness

2005 Maryland Veterans Caucus

1991- Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland

1991- Women Legislators of Maryland

Past Senate Service

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; 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

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 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.