Tenure

First elected to the Maryland House of Delegates, 1994. Member of the House since 1995. First elected to the Maryland Senate in 2014. Member of the Senate since 2015.

Current Assignments

2015 Budget and Taxation Committee

2015 Health and Human Services Subcommittee, Budget and Taxation Committee

2015 Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review (AELR)

2015 Joint Audit Committee

2015 Joint Committee on Fair Practices and State Personnel Oversight

2015 Joint Committee on Pensions

1995- Women Legislators of Maryland

Past Senate Service

Joint Committee on the Selection of the State Treasurer, 2015.

Past House Service

Appropriations Committee, 2003-2014; Joint Committee on Health Care Delivery and Financing, 2003-2011; Joint Committee on Welfare Reform, 2003-2014; Joint Committee on Fair Practices, 2003-2009; Chair, Caroline County Delegation, 1995-2007; Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics, 2003-2006; Acting Chair, Eastern Shore Delegation, 2003; Joint Technology Oversight Committee, 2000-2003; Deputy Minority Whip, 1999-2003; Joint Committee on Access to Mental Health Services, 2005-2014; Real Estate and Housing Subcommittee of the Economic Matters Committee, 1999-2003; Science and Technology Subcommittee of the Economic Matters Committee, 1999-2003; Economic Matters Committee, 1995-2003; Health Insurance Subcommittee of the Economic Matters Committee, 1995-2003; Special Committee on Gaming, 2001; Special Joint Committee on Competitive Taxation and Economic Development, 1996-1997; Health and Human Resources Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, 2003-2014; Oversight Committee on Pensions of the Appropriations Committee, 2003-2014; Capital Budget Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, 2004-2014; Spending Affordability Committee, 2003-2014; Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review (AELR, 2007-2014; Joint Committee on Children, Youth and Families, 1999-2014; Joint Committee on Fair Practices and State Personnel Oversight, 2009-2014; House Special Committee on Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 1995-2014; Chair, Dorchester County House Delegation, 1995-2014; Chair, Eastern Shore House Delegation, 2011-2014.

Public Service

Girls' Services Strategic Plan Task Force, Dept. of Juvenile Services, 2010; Rural Maryland Council, 2009-2015; Workgroup on Cultural Competency and Workforce Development for Mental Health Professionals, 2007-2008; President, Women Legislators of Maryland, 2007-2008; President-Elect, Women Legislators of Maryland, 2006-2007; First Vice President, Women Legislators of Maryland, 2005-2006; Mental Health Transformation Working Group, 2005-2011; Second Vice President, Women Legislators of Maryland, 2004-2005; Delegate, Republican Party National Convention, 2004; Secretary, Women Legislators of Maryland, 2003-2004, 2000-2001, 1998-1999; Task Force to Study the Maryland Heritage Structure Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program, 2003; Advisory Board, Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement, Salisbury University, 2002-; Mid-Shore Regional Council, 2001-; Endorsement Committee, Women Legislators of Maryland, 2001-; Finance Committee, Women Legislators of Maryland, 2001-; Legislative Committee, Women Legislators of Maryland, 2001-; Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, 2001; Governor's Task Force on Eastern Shore Economic Development, 1999-2001; Availability Committee of Task Force to Study Increasing the Availability of Substance Abuse Programs, 1998-2001; Human Services and Welfare Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures.

Memberships

Republican Party Caucus, 2007-; Maryland Veterans Caucus, 2006-; Taxpayers Protection Caucus, 2003-; Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Caucus, 2003-; Maryland Rural Caucus, 2002-; Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus, 2001-; Board of Directors, Leadership Maryland, Inc., 2001-; President, Maryland Nurses Association (Legislative Chair, 1986-89, 93-94), 1989-1991; Dorchester County Republican Central Committee, 1986-1994; Executive Committee, Maryland Hospital Association, 1993-; Board of Directors, Dorchester General Hospital, 1988-; Board Member, Chesapeake Health Planning Systems; Maryland Nurses Association; American Nurses Association; American Ortho-Psychiatric Association; Sigma Theta Tau; Past President, Chesapeake Health Planning Systems; Past Vice President, Chesapeake Health Planning Systems.

Awards

John R. Hargreaves Distinguished Legislative Fellow, Salisbury University , 2009; Certificate of Appreciation, Maryland Municipal League , 2008; Maryland's Top 100 Women, Daily Record, Circle of Excellence , 2007, 2005, 2003; Outstanding Rural Legislator Award, Rural Maryland Council , 2003; Outstanding Board Member Award, Maryland Nurses Association , 1992; Nurse of the Year, District 4, Maryland Nurses Association , 1991, 1986; Rosalie S. Abrams Legislative Award, Maryland Nurses Association , 1988; Psychiatric Nursing Award, University of Maryland Graduate School of Nursing , 1981; Recognition for Ongoing Commitment to and Support for Children, Youth, and Families, Local Management Board .

Biographical Information

Born, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, September 8, 1943; Marple Newton Senior High School, 1964; Bryn Mawr Hospital School of Nursing, R.N. Diploma, 1964; University of Maryland School of Nursing, B.S., 1978, M.S., 1981; Regional Team, Mental Hygiene Administration, 1983-85; Adjunct Faculty, Salisbury State University, 1985; Adjunct Faculty, University of Maryland School of Nursing, 1991-99; Psychiatric Nurse Clinical Specialist, Eastern Shore Hospital Center, 1985-2003 (employed since 1973); Married, Three sons, Seven grandchildren.