Tenure

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

Current Assignments

2007- Majority Whip

2015 Economic Matters Committee

2015 Alcoholic Beverages Subcommittee of the Economic Matters Committee

2015 Public Utilities Subcommittee of the Economic Matters Committee

2015 Business Regulation Subcommittee of the Economic Matters Committee

2003- House Committee on Rules and Executive Nominations

2007- Legislative Policy Committee

1995 Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, Inc. (Chair, 2000-02)

Past House Service

Ways and Means Committee, 2011-2014; Election Law Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee, 2011-2014; Finance Resources Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee, 2011-2014; Education Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee, 2011-2014; Joint Committee on the Selection of the State Treasurer, 2011, 2007, 2015; Transportation and the Environment Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, 2004-2010; Oversight Committee on Personnel of the Appropriations Committee, 2004-2010, 1995-1999; Oversight Committee on Pensions of the Appropriations Committee, 1999-2010; House Chair, Joint Committee on Welfare Reform, 2003-2014; Joint Committee on Transparency and Open Government, 2011-2014; Capital Budget Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, 1998-2010; Appropriations Committee, 1995-2010; Vice Chair, Appropriations Committee, 2003-2007; Spending Affordability Committee, 2003-2015; Joint Audit Committee, 2003-2006; Vice Chair, Health and Human Resources Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, 2003; Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families, 1999-2003; Vice Chair, Oversight Committee on Pensions of the Appropriations Committee, 1999-2003; Health and Human Resources Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, 1995-2003; Task Force to Study the State's Retiree Health Insurance Liabilities, 2002; Deputy Majority Whip, 1999-2002; Special Committee on School Enrollment Management, 1996-1997; House Emergency Medical Services System Workgroup, 2009-2012.

Public Service

Commission on the Establishment of a Maryland Educators Service Memorial, 2013-2016; Vice Chair, Executive Committee, Democratic State Central Committee, 2009-2011; State Interagency Coordinating Committee (for Infants & Toddlers Program), 2000-2010; State Center Executive Committee, 2009-; Labor and Economic Development Committee, National Conference of State Legislators, 2007-; Economic Development, Trade, and Cultural Affairs Committee, National Conference of State Legislators, 2005-2007; Joint Commission on the Maryland Port Administration, 2005-2006; Task Force on Lending Equity within Financial Institutions Providing State Depository Services, 2005; Chair, Maryland Legislative Black Caucus, 2000-2002; Judith P. Hoyer Blue Ribbon Commission on Early Child Care and Education, 2000-2001; Economic Development Committee, Maryland Legislative Black Caucus, 2000; Ethics Committee, Maryland Legislative Black Caucus, 2000; Delegate, Democratic Party National Convention, 2000; Partnership Policy Council on Block Grants, 1996-1998; Baltimore City Mayor's representative to Cecil Kirk Community, 1992-1993; Fiscal Subcommittee, Baltimore City Delegation.

Memberships

Advisory Board, Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement, Salisbury University , 2002-; National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) ; Eastside Democratic Organization ; America's Fund .

Awards

John R. Hargreaves Distinguished Legislative Fellow Award, Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement, Salisbury University, 2010; Young Democrat of the Year, Young Democrats of Maryland, 1985; Award from State Senate, 1985; Award from the President of the Baltimore City Council, 1981; Award from Baltimore City Council, 1981; Mayor's Citation, Baltimore City; Award from Maryland State Conference, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Biographical Information

Born, North Hampton County, North Carolina, January 30, 1956; Northern High School, Baltimore, 1974; Essex Community College, A.A., 1978; Salisbury State College, B.A., Political Science, 1981; Special Assistant to U.S. Representative Parren J. Mitchell, 7th Congressional District, 1984-87; Full-Time Legislator; Three children.