John Cullerton
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John J. Cullerton (born October 28, 1948) is the Illinois State Senator for the 6th district, which he has served since 1992.
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[edit] Early life
Cullerton is a native of Chicago, he received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Loyola University of Chicago and continued there to earn his law degree. After graduating, Cullerton served as a Chicago Assistant Public Defender. He went on to work at the law firm of Fagel and Haber where he is currently a partner.
Cullerton serves as a member of the Board of Directors at the Center for Disability and Elder Law, an organization that provides legal services for persons over 60 or with disabilities.
[edit] Public service
In 1976, Cullerton was elected to the Illinois Delegation at the Democratic National Convention. In 1979, he was elected to the Illinois General Assembly where he served for twelve years as a member of the House of Representatives. He served as President Pro Tempore and Democratic Floor Leader.
[edit] Senate career
After being appointed to fill Dawn Clark Netsch's seat in 1991, Cullerton was elected to the state senate in 1992; he was recently appointed Senate Majority Caucus Whip. Cullerton has been recognized for sponsoring more bills than any other legislator and having more signed into law by the governor.
Cullerton is committed to traffic safety and has spearheaded the state’s mandatory seat belt law and the Child Passenger Safety Act. To honor his contribution, Cullerton was awarded the “Buckle Up America Award” for the State and Local Government category.
Because so many Cook County homeowners were faced with rising property taxes, Cullerton introduced the Neighborhood Homeowner Exemption Plan. This bill caps increases in the assessed value of property so that they can not increase by more than 7% in one year.
Cullerton has sponsored several pieces of legislation increasing gun control. He supported legislation that required gun owners to keep their weapons stored or locked out of reach from children. He also proposed a bill to close the loop hole that allows guns to be purchased at gun shows without following other existing gun sale regulations.
Cullerton is Democratic Co-Chairman on the Senate’s Judiciary Committee. Additionally, he serves on the Committee on Rules; Insurance and Pensions Committee; and Financial Institutions Committee.
[edit] Personal life
Senator Cullerton and his wife, Pam, have five children together: Maggie, John III, Garritt, Kyle, Josephine.
