Tenure

First elected to the Maryland House of Delegates, 1990. Member of the House since 1991.

Current Assignments

2013- Chair, Rules and Executive Nominations Committee

2015 Environment and Transportation Committee

2015 Chair, Local Government and BiCounty Agencies of the Environment and Transportation Committee

2015 Housing and Real Property Subcommittee of the Environment and Transportation Committee

2017 Motor Vehicle and Transportation Subcommittee of the Environment and Transportation Committee

2019 Joint Committee on Program Open Space and Agricultural Land Preservation

1991 Women Legislators of Maryland (2nd Vice-President, 2018-19, President-elect, 2019-2020, President 2021-2022)

2019 Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus (2015)

2005 Maryland Veterans Caucus

Past House Service

Environmental Matters Committee, 2007-2015; Housing and Real Property Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee, 2007-2015; Chair, Local Government and Bi-County Agencies Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee, 2007-2015; House Chair, Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review (AELR), 2007-2013; Motor Vehicle and Transportation Subcommittee of the Environmental Matters Committee, 2007-2010; Ground Rent Workgroup of the Environmental Matters Committee, 2007; Spending Affordability Committee, 2003-2007; Rules and Executive Nominations Committee, 1998-2006; Vice Chair, Ways and Means Committee, 1997-2006; Chair, Vice Chair's Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee, 1997-2006; Ways and Means Committee, 1991-2006; Special Committee on Higher Education Affordability and Accessibility, 2003-2004; Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families, 1999-2003; House Chair, Task Force to Study County Property-Tax Setoffs and Related Fiscal Issues, 1997; Special Joint Committee on Competitive Taxation and Economic Development, 1996-1997.

Public Service

Chesapeake Conservation Corps Program Board, 2019-; Task Force to Study Recording Deeds for Victims of Domestic Violence, 2016-2017; Task Force to Study a Post-Labor Day Start Date for Maryland Public Schools, 2013-2014; Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Committee, Prince George's County Delegation, 2008-2012; Bi-County Committee, Prince George's County Delegation, 2008-2014, 1991-2002; Law Enforcement and State-Appointed Boards Committee, Prince George's County Delegation, 2003-2007; Budgets and Revenue Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures, 2005-; Task Force to Evaluate the Development and Construction of a Magnetic Levitation Transportation System (MAGLEV) in Maryland between Baltimore and the District of Columbia, 2002-2003; Foster Care Review Board Task Force, 1997-1998; Task Force on Multiracial Designations, 1997; Governor's Commission on Adoption, 1995; House Chair, Task Force on Telecommunications Taxes, 1994; Joint Expenditure Study Group on Law Enforcement and Transportation, 1991; Joint Study Group on Transportation and Lottery Revenues, 1991; City Council, City of Hyattsville, 1987-1990.

Memberships

Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Caucus, 2004-; Women Legislators of Maryland (Legislative Committee 2006) (Secretary 2016-2018), 1991-; Washington Independent Writers, Board of Directors, 1989-1990; Prince George's County Public Relations Association, 1989-; American Cancer Society, Local Board, 1987; Prince George's County Alliance for the Mentally Ill, 1987; Hyattsville Historic Preservation Association; Eleanor and Frankline Roosevelt Democratic Club.

Awards

Legislataive Champion Award, Women Legislators of Maryland, 2018; Maryland's Top 100 Women, The Daily Record, 2017; Certificate of Appreciation, Maryland Municipal League, 2011, 2009, 2008; Municipal Super Star, Maryland Municipal League, 2010.

Biographical Information

Born, Scranton, Pennsylvania, January 2, 1951; Cathedral High School, Scranton, 1968; Marywood College, B.A., 1972; Catholic University, M.A., 1974; Writer and Editor; Reporter, College English Instructor; Former Newpaper Editor, Catholic Review; Prince George's Post-Sentinel; Prince George's Post; Married; two children.