Tenure

First elected to the Maryland House of Delegates, 1994. Member of the House since 1995.

Current Assignments

2003- Environmental Matters Committee

2006- Chair, Land Use and Ethics Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee

2011- Agriculture, Agriculture Preservation, and Open Space Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee

2011- Local Government and Bi-County Agencies Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee

2003- House Committee on Rules and Executive Nominations

2003- Joint Subcommittee on Program Open Space/ Agricultural Land Preservation

1995- Women Legislators of Maryland

Past House Service

Chair, Howard County Delegation, 2010-2011, 2007-2008, 2000-2001, 1997; Environment Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee, 2007-2010, 2003; Natural Resources Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee, 2006-2010; Joint Committee on the Selection of the State Treasurer, 2007; Natural Resources and Ethics Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee, 2005-2006; Housing and Real Property Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee, 2004-2006; Chair, Local Government and Bi-County Agencies Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee, 2003-2006; Joint Committee on Welfare Reform, 2003-2006; Co-Chair, Electronics Recycling Workgroup of the Environmental Matters Committee, 2004; Ethics Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee, 2003-2004; Commerce and Government Matters Committee, 1995-2003; Financial Institutions Subcommittee of the Commerce and Government Matters Committee, 1995-2003; Joint Committee to Study Mandates on Local Government, 1995-1997.

Public Service

Co-Chair, Maryland Clean Car and Energy Policy Task Force, 2007-2010; Agriculture and Energy Committee, National Conference of State Legislators, 2008-; Environment Committee, National Conference of State Legislators, 2008-; Presidential Elector, Maryland, 2008; Agriculture, Environment and Energy Committee, National Conference of State Legislators, 2007-2008; Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities, 2003-; Governor's Commission to Study Poverty in Maryland, 2001-2003; Wetlands Restoration Steering Committee, 2001-2002; Legislative Committee, Women Legislators of Maryland, 2001-; Task Force on Dual Office-Holding by Public Employees, 1995; State Advisory Council on Nutrition, 1991-1994; Governor's Commission on Growth in the Chesapeake Region, 1989-1991; County Executive, Howard County, 1986-1990; Delegate, Democratic Party National Convention, 1988; County Council, Howard County, 1977-1986; Board of Appeals, Howard County, 1976-1977.

Memberships

Maryland Consumer Caucus, 2005-; Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Caucus, 2003-; Linwood Children's Center, 2001; Maryland Green Caucus, 1996-; Howard County Poetry and Literature Society, 1991-1994; Board Member, Howard County Museum of African-American Culture, 1991-1994; Maryland State Bar Association; Howard County Bar Association; Howard County Citizens' Association; League of Women Voters; Sierra Club.

Awards

Sunshine Award, Common Cause Maryland , 2005; Maryland's Top 100 Women, Daily Record , 2002; Howard County Women's Hall of Fame , 1997; Award for Establishing Shelter for Homeless, Governor's Advisory Board of Homelessness , 1990; Tribute of Appreciation, Howard County General Hospital , 1990; Howard County Historic Preservation Award , 1990; Gates of Freedom Award, Maryland Committee, State of Israel Bonds , 1990; Chesapeake Bay Conservation Award, Izaak Walton League of America , 1989.

Biographical Information

Born, Baltimore, Maryland, December 21, 1943; Seton High School, Baltimore, 1961; University of Maryland, B.A., Literature, 1971; University of Maryland School of Law, J.D., 1981; Associate Attorney, Bounds, Short & Eagan, 1981-86; Deputy Secretary, Maryland Department of Human Resources, 1991-93; Married to Lloyd Knowles, Two children, Eight grandchildren.