Tenure

First elected to the Senate in 1995. Member of the Senate since 1994. Appointed August 1, 1994 and sworn in August 2, 1994.

Current Assignments

2019 Chair, Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee (Member, 1994, Vice Chair, 2015-2019)

2015 Environment Subcommittee, Health, Education and Environmental Affairs Committee (Co-Chair, 2017-2019)

2003 Chair, Education Subcommittee of the Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee

2019 Legislative Policy Committee

2019 Rules Committee

2019 Executive Nominations Committee

Past Senate Service

Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee, 2022; Co-Chair, Environment Subcommittee of the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee (Chair, 2007-10), 2011-2015; Chair, Environment Subcommittee of the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 2007-2010; Special Committee on Renewables and Clean Energy of the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 2007-2010; Ethics and Election Law Subcommittee of the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 2003-2006; Senate Chair, Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review (AELR) (Member, 1999-), 2003-2015; Senate Special Committee on Substance Abuse, 2001-2022; Joint Committee on Federal Relations, 1995-2003; Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee of the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 1999-2002; Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee of the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 1999-2002; Health Subcommittee of the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 1994-2002; Workgroup to Study the Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland Higher Education Commission, 2019; Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, 2016-2019.

Past House Service 1987-1994

Environmental Matters Committee, 1987-1994.

Public Service

Blueprint for Maryland's Furture's Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB) Nominating Committee, 2021-; Commission on Climate Change, 2016-; Commission to Review Maryland's Use of Assessments and Testing in Public Schools, 2015-2017; Task Force on Sustainable Growth and Wastewater Disposal, 2011; P-20 Leadership Council of Maryland, 2010-; Task Force to Study a No Net Loss of Forest Policy, 2008-2009; 2009 State Plan for Postsecondary Education Work Group, 2008-2009; Energy and Environment Committee, Southern Legislative Conference, 2008-; Legislative Advisory Council, Southern Regional Education Board, 2008-; Education Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures, 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; Study Commission to Explore the Expanded Application of State Stipends for National Certification of Teachers, 2007-2008; Climate Change Commission, 2007-2016; Joint Committee on the Selection of the State Treasurer, 2007; Commission to Study Local Maintenance of Effort [for Educational Funding], 2005-2007; Advisory Council on Workforce Shortage, 2006-; Senate Special Commission on Medical Malpractice Liability Insurance, 2004; State Commission on Public Funding of Campaigns in Maryland, 2002-2004; Task Force to Study the Availability of Audiology and Speech-Language Services, 2003; Senate Chair, Prince George's County Delegation, 2001-2003; Wetlands Restoration Steering Committee, 1998-2002; Maryland Diamondback Terrapin Task Force, 2001; Task Force to Study College Readiness for Disadvantaged and Capable Students, 2000-2001; State Council on Cancer Control, 1995-2001; Task Force to Study Alternative Educational Programs for Chronically Disruptive Students, 1999-2000; Task Force to Study the Effects of Cult Activities on Public Senior Higher Education Institutions, 1999; Sound Barrier Review Panel, 1995-1996.

Memberships

Maryland Educators Caucus, 2005-; Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Caucus, 2003-; Progressive Maryland, 2001-; Maryland Green Caucus, 1996-; President, Prince George's County Educators' Association, 1983-1987; National Education Association; Maryland State Teachers Association; Executive Board, Maryland Citizens Action Coalition.

Awards

Consumer Hero, Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition, 2014, 2013; Legislator of the Year, Maryland League of Conservation Voters, 2012; Certificate of Appreciation, Maryland Municipal League, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008; Climate Champion Award, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, 2009; Citation, Maryland Healthy Air Act Coalition, 2006; Legislative Award, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 1994; Betty Tyler Award, Planned Parenthood, 1992; Outstanding Contribution to Youth Award, Prince George's County Council of PTAs, on behalf of Prince George's County Educators' Association; Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award, National Conference of Christians and Jews, Prince George's County Chapter.

Biographical Information

Born, Camden, New Jersey, March 5, 1950; Moorestown Friends School, Moorestown, N.J.; George Washington University, B.A., Public Affairs, 1972, M.A., Education, 1978; Educator, Prince George’s County Public Schools, 1976-1995; Union Administration: Staff, Maryland State Teachers Association Affiliate, 1995-2014; Married; two daughters.