Tenure

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

Current Assignments

2017 Chair, Ways and Means Committee (Member 2003-)

2015 Legislative Policy Committee

2017 Rules and Executive Nominations Committee

2015 Spending Affordability Committee

2016 Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education

2003- Women Legislators of Maryland

2005 Maryland Veterans Caucus

Past House Service

Majority Leader, 2015-2017; Deputy Majority Whip, 2013-2014, 2007-2010; Chief Deputy Majority Whip, 2011-2013; Vice Chair’s Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee, 2007-2017; 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; 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

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.