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

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

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

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

2001- Senate Special Committee on Substance Abuse

2016 Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education

Past Senate Service

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; 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.

Past House Service 1987-1994

Environmental Matters Committee, 1987-1994.

Public Service

Commission to Review Maryland's Use of Assessments and Testing in Public Schools, 2015-; 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-; 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

Certificate of Appreciation, Maryland Municipal League , 2008-2009; 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-; Married, Two daughters.