Tenure

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

Current Assignments

1995- Environmental Matters Committee

2003- Chair, Environment Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee

2007- Motor Vehicles and Transportation Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee

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

2003- House Chair, Joint Committee on the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area

1995- Women Legislators of Maryland

Past House Service

Task Force on the Establishment of a Statewide Spay/Neuter Fund, House Chair, 2011-2012; Natural Resources Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee, 2003-2010; Chair, Prince George’s County Delegation, 2007-2008; Joint Committee on the Selection of the State Treasurer, 2007; Local Government and Bi-County Agencies Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee, 2005-2006; Electronics Recycling Workgroup of the Environmental Matters Committee, 2004; Co-Chair, Wetlands and Waterways Funding Workgroup of the Environmental Matters Committee, 2004; Ethics Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee, 2003-2004; House Chair, Joint Committee on Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas, 2003; Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families, 1999-2003; Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee, 1999-2003; Health Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee, 1999-2003; Environmental and Natural Resources Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee, 1995-1999; Joint Legislative Task Force on Organ and Tissue Donations, 1997-1998; Special Joint Committee on Group Homes, 1995-1997.

Public Service

County Affairs Committee, Prince George’s County Delegation, 2011-, 1999-2000; Task Force on Solar Hot Water Systems in Prince George's County, 2011, 2010; Thomas J. S. Waxter Children's Center Advisory Board, 2008-; Agriculture and Energy Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures, 2008-; Environment Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures, 2008-; Agriculture, Environment and Energy Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures, 2007-2008; Environment and Natural Resources Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures, 2005-2007; Environment Subcommittee, Anne Arundel County Delegation, 2005; Bay Restoration Fund Advisory Committee, 2004-; Steering Committee, Bi-County Task Force on Gang Activity, 2004; Attainment Plan (federal air quality standards) Task Force, Department of the Environment, 2003-2004; Environmental Restoration and Development Task Force, 2003; Prince George's Hospital System Improvement Task Force, 2002-2003; State Advisory Council on Quality Care at the End of Life, 2002-; Task Force on Upgrading Sewerage Systems, 2001-2002; Bi-County Committee, Prince George’s County Delegation, 2001-2002; Co-Chair, Legislative Committee, Women Legislators of Maryland, 2001-; Task Force to End Smoking in Maryland, 1999; Task Force on Education Funding in Prince George's County, 1995-1996; Commission on Aging, 1995-; Deputy Director, Rules Commission, Democratic Party National Convention, 1972; Assistant to Parliamentarian, Democratic Party National Convention, 1972, 1968.

Memberships

Board of Directors, Dimensions Healthcare System, 2007-; Maryland Veterans Caucus, 2005-; Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Caucus, 2003-; Maryland Green Caucus, 1996-; Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee; SmokeFree Maryland.

Awards

Humane State Legislator Award, Humane Society of the United States , 2006; Legislative Accomplishment Award, American Cancer Society , 2004; Legislator Recognition Award, Maryland Association of Counties , 2004; Distinguished Service Award, Calverton Recreation Council ; Pride Award, St. Vincent Pallotti High School, Laurel .

Biographical Information

Born, Washington, DC, May 31, 1945 ; Attended Northwestern High School, Hyattsville ; American Institute ; Business Owner ; Former Aide in U.S. Congress (12 years) ; Former Aide in Maryland Senate (6 ½ years) ; Widow, Two children .