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U.S. House
Crete, IL 60417 (708)672-4100 www.debbiehalvorson.com Campaign Contributions: FEC Disclosure Reports Open Secrets Profile Senator Debbie Halvorson, D-Crete, was re-elected in 2002 to a 3rd term as State Senator of the 40th District. She is a lifelong resident of the 40th District, married to Jim Bush. They have four children and three grandchildren. With a reputation as one of the hardest working legislators in Springfield, Senator Halvorson rose into leadership team after only two years then spent two years as Majority Caucus Chair and moved up to Assistant Majority Leader in 2004. In January of 2005 she was appointed Majority Leader, the first woman ever in the history of Illinois. She is the only woman in Senate Leadership. Senator Halvorson is past chairman of the bi-partisan Southland Caucus, and currently serves as co-chair of the Coalition of Women Legislators. She is a member of Transportation, Agriculture and Conservation Committees, chairman of the subcommittee on airports as well as the chairman of rail safety. In addition she holds positions on several statewide tasks forces Senator Halvorson has led the movement to provide affordable prescription drugs to all senior citizens and those with disabilities, regardless of income. She sponsored and passed Senate Bill 3, which is the first in the nation to create a new program that would offer all seniors and those with disabilities in Illinois access to cheaper prescription drugs without having to go to another country. She also personally drafted the legislation that was enacted to protect senior citizens checking into nursing homes. One of Senator Halvorson's successful domestic violence initiatives requires that orders of protection from other states be enforced the same as those that originated in Illinois. A graduate of Bloom Township High School in Chicago Heights, Senator Halvorson has degrees from Robert Morris College, Prairie State College, a Bachelor of Arts and a Master's Degree in Communication from Governors State University. She attended the Darden School for Emerging Political Leaders at the University of Virginia and completed the Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at Harvard. Halvorson was the chief sponsor of one of Illinois' toughest law ever dealing with hit-and-run drivers. And, she is also responsible for passing legislation increasing the penalties for the harassment of minors via electronic communications, making it a Class 4 felony to send Internet messages that attempt to arrange a sexual act with a child. Prior to entering the Senate, Halvorson spent 14 years as a small businesswoman and served as Crete Township Clerk from April, 1993 to December, 1996. Through her service in the Senate, Senator Halvorson has been recognized by a number of organizations. These include being named an Education Hero by the Illinois Education Association, Freshman Legislator of the Year by the Illinois Health Care Association, Business Advocate of the Year by the Chicago Southland Development Inc., Distinguished Legislator of the Year from the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill, Statesman of the Year by the International Union of Operating Engineers, Outstanding Legislator of the Year from the Illinois Hospital and Health Systems Association, Community Service Award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts, recipient of the Governor's Award of Education to Career, and Legislator of the Year by the South Suburban Area on Aging, and just since April of 2006 has been awarded the Citizen of the Year from the Will-Grundy Central Trades and Laborers, Legislator of the Year from the ARC of Illinois, Star of the Year from South Star Services honoring the Senator for her tireless advocacy and commitment to improve the lives of persons with developmental disabilities. She has also received Legislator of the Year from the Illinois Community College Trustees Association. Senator Debbie Halvorson continues to be a strong voice and advocate for the interests of the hardworking families of Illinois. She tours the country as an advocate for women's issues, especially when it comes to empowering women to make healthy and educated decisions about themselves. Campaign Contributions: FEC Disclosure Reports Open Secrets Profile E-mail this article to a friend | Printer friendly format |
