Tenure

First elected to the Maryland House of Delegates, 2002. Member of the House since 2003.

Current Assignments

2021 Health and Government Operations Committee

2022 Government Operations and Health Facilities Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee

2023 Insurance and Pharmaceuticals Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee

2023 House Chair, Joint Committee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology & Biotechnology

2003- Women Legislators of Maryland

2005 Maryland Veterans Caucus

2024 Maryland Legislative Jewish Caucus

2024 Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus

Past House Service

Majority Leader, 2015-2017; Deputy Majority Whip, 2013-2014, 2007-2010; Chief Deputy Majority Whip, 2011-2013; Public Health and Minorities Disparities Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2022-2023; Chair, Ways and Means Committee (Member 2003-), 2017-2021; Rules and Executive Nominations Committee, 2017-2023; Vice Chair’s Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee, 2007-2017; Legislative Policy Committee, 2015-2021; Spending Affordability Committee, 2015-2022; Education Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee (Chair 2007-2017), 2004-2017; Joint Committee on Legislative Information Technology and Open Government, 2015-2017; House Chair, Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families, 2007-2011; Joint Committee on Welfare Reform, 2003-2010; Revenues Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee, 2007; Joint Committee on Federal Relations, 2007-2015; Joint Advisory Committee on Legislative Data Systems, 2007-2014; Children and Youth Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee, 2004-2006; Tax and Revenue Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee, 2003-2004; Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, 2016-2019; Joint Committee on the Selection of the State Treasurer, 2015.

Public Service

Governor's P-20 Leadership Council of Maryland, 2015-; Task Force to Study the Implementatin of a Dyslexia Education Program, 2015-2017; Legislative Advisory Council, 2014-; Task Force to Study the Impact of Expanding Credit and Noncredit Courses for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 2013-2016; Delegate, Southern Regional Education Board Legislative Work Conference, 2014; Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards (CCRS) and Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) Implementation Review Workgroup, 2014-2015; Maryland Council for Educator Effectiveness, 2010-2011; Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, 2010-; Task Force on Educational Issues Affecting Military Children, 2008-2009; Study Commission to Explore the Expanded Application of State Stipends for National Certification of Teachers, 2007-2008; Advisory Council to the Children's Cabinet, 2007-2011; Advisory Council on Workforce Shortage, 2006-2012; Workgroup to Study Consolidation of Economic Development Student Assistance Grants and Work-Based Shortage Grants, 2005; Transportation Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures, 2004-; Delegate, Democratic Party National Convention, 2004; Montgomery County Delegation (2015 Economic Development Committee; 2012-2014, Chair; 2007-2010 County Affairs Committee), 2003-; Chair, Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board, Montgomery County, 2001-2002; Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board, Montgomery County, 1998-2002; Basketball Coach, Montgomery County Department of Recreation, 1997, 1991-1992.

Memberships

Maryland Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus, 2023-; House Chair, Maryland Educators Caucus, 2005; Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Caucus, 2003-; Maryland Green Caucus, 2003-; Co-Coordinator, Montgomery County Women's Fair, 2001-2002; Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee, 2000-2002; American Association of University Women, Rockville Branch, 1997-2002; Aspen Hill Civic Association, 1997-1999; Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee, 1998-2002; Precinct Chair, Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee, 1990-1992, 1995-1998; Co-Chair, Voter Registration Drive, Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee, 1998; President, District 19 Democratic Club, 1997-1998; Member, District 19 Democratic Club, 1995-2002; President, Montgomery County Political Action Committee, 1997; Consumer Advisory Board, Giant Food, 1991.

Awards

Legislator of the Year, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, 2017; Legislator of the Year, Montgomery County Region of the Maryland Association of Student Councils, 2011; Legislator of the Year, Maryland Nurses Association, 2007; Certificate of Appreciation, Maryland Municipal League, 2007; Maryland's Top 100 Women, Daily Record, 2006.

Biographical Information

Born, Washington, DC, February 10, 1968; Rockville High School, 1986; University of Chicago, B.A., Political Science, 1990; University of Michigan, M.P.P., Public Policy, 1995; University of Michigan, M.A., Educational Studies, 1995; Staff Assistant, U.S. Representative Neal Smith, (D-IA), 1990-91; Legislative Assistant, Delegate Hank Heller, 1991- 92; Intern, Congressional Budget Office, summer 1993; Teaching Assistant, University of Michigan, 1993-94; Policy Analyst (Staff Specialist II), Maryland Department of Education, 1994-95; Economist and Policy Analyst, U.S. Treasury Department, 1995-2002; Outreach and Marketing Consultant, Bethesda Transportation Solutions, Bethesda Urban Partnership (2005-17); Adjunct Professor, Montgomery College, Introduction to Political Science (2016-18); Adjunct Professor, University of Maryland, Women in Leadership (2013-present); Member, Tikvat Israel Congregation; Married, one child.