Antonio Munoz
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- For the former pro tennis player from Spain see Antonio Munoz (tennis).
Antonio Munoz (born February 18, 1964) is the Illinois State Senator for the 1st district, which he has served since 1999.
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[edit] Early life
Munoz graduated from Good Shepherd Grammar School and went on to Quigley South Seminary High School. After graduation he served in the United States Army with 82nd Airborne Division, and later attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
[edit] Public service
Munoz began his career in the Chicago City Hall. In 1990, he began working with Mayor Daley's Liquor License Commission, Local Liquor Control Section. He went on to work in the Department of Aviation, the Mayor’s Office of Budget and Management, and the Law Department.
Munoz serves on the Board of Directors of several community organizations including the Easter Seals, union Leagues Boys and Girls Club, Little Village Boys and Girls Club, and the Valentine Boys and Girls Club. He is also a member of the Harvard Club of Chicago and the Fraternal Order of Police.
[edit] Senate career
Munoz was elected in 1999 and then again in 2002.
As a state senator, one of the most significant bills he has helped pass was one that will grant Illinois’ children of immigrants access to instate tuition levels so that they can continue their education at the state’s public colleges and universities. This bill would allow students who have attended school in Illinois for at least three years and graduated from a high school in Illinois to pay in-state tuition regardless of their immigration status. Several other states have already passed similar legislation and at least twelve others are considering identical legislation.
Recently, Munoz co-sponsored a bill to expand the ability of local police agencies to use money generated by fines stemming from convictions for driving under the influence. This bill allows for a much wider use of DUI funds by law enforcement in combating alcohol-related crimes, like training and setting up check points. Before this law, the funds could only be used for purchasing equipment.
Munoz is also co-founder and treasurer of the Latino Caucus. Four Latino legislators are members of the Senate and seven are members of the House of Representatives. The Caucus continues its work to pass issues that will positively impact the lives of the nearly 1.4 million Latinos living in the State of Illinois.
Munoz is Chairman of the Transportation Committee; Vice-Chairman of Environment and Energy; and Sub-Chairman on the Subcommittee on Licensed Professionals. Additionally he serves on Appropriations III; Licensed Activities; Subcommittee on Tollways; Senate Task Force on Illinois Alcoholic Beverage Laws; and the Revenue Special Issues Subcommittee.
[edit] Personal life
Senator Munoz lives in McKinley Park with his wife, Patricia and their three kids, Dolores, Michelle, and Tony, Jr.
