Emil Jones
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Emil Jones | |
 |
|
|
Member of the Illinois State Senate
from the 14th district |
|
| In office 1983 - |
|
|
|
|
| Born | October 18, 1935 Chicago, Illinois |
|---|---|
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Dr. Lorrie Jones |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
Emil Jones, Jr. is the President of the Illinois Senate. A Democrat, he was previously a member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 1973 until 1983.
Contents |
[edit] Education
Senator Jones studied at Chicago's Tilden Technical High School, where he graduated in 1953. He went on to earn an Associate in Arts degree from the Loop Junior College (now Harold Washington College). Thereafter he attended Roosevelt University, where he majored in Business Administration.
In 2004, Roosevelt University awarded Senator Jones with a Doctorate of Humane Letters Honoris Causa Degree. Chicago State University also awarded Senator Jones with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
[edit] Political career
Senator Jones began his political career in 1973, when he was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives. He served in that capacity from 1973 to 1983. During that time he served as the Chairman of the Insurance Committee and was an Assistant Democratic Leader. In 1982 he was elected to the Illinois Senate. In addition to being the president of the Senate, he also serves as a member of the Executive Committee.
Jones has had feuds during his time in office with other Democrats, most notably House Speaker Michael Madigan.[1][2] He is an ally of Governor Rod Blagojevich.[3] Jones has teamed with fellow Chicago Democrat Blagojevich to propose plans for health care and education, paid for by $5 billion in increased business taxes and gambling. The plan does not have enough support to pass the Senate and according to Madigan would fail in the House.[4]
Senator Jones is a member of the Forum of Senate Presidents' Board of Directors and the State Legislative Leaders Foundation's Board of Directors.
[edit] Political positions
During his time in the General Assembly, Jones has advocated for issues including funding public education in Illinois. Senator Jones was also instrumental in helping Senator Barack Obama with his election to the United States Senate[5]. A life-long resident of Chicago, he is married to Dr. Lorrie Jones a psychologist. He and his late wife Patricia had four children.
[edit] References
- ^ Wills, Christopher. "Illinois Democrats turn on each other", Associated Press, 2007-07. Retrieved on 2007-07-16.
- ^ "Democrats' spat boils over: Jones sidelines Madigan pal", 'Chicago Sun-Times', 2007-06-06. Retrieved on 2007-07-16.
- ^ "Emil Jones, where are you?", 'Belleville News-Democrat', 2007-07-14. Retrieved on 2007-07-16.
- ^ "State budget talks give way to stalls, stunts", 'The Associated Press', The Southern Illinoisan, 2007-07-14. Retrieved on 2007-07-16.
- ^ Political 'godfather' boosted Obama's early career - CNN.com
[edit] External links
- Illinois General Assembly - Senator Emil Jones Jr. (D) 14th District official IL Senate website
- Project Vote Smart - Senator Emil Jones Jr. (IL) profile
- Follow the Money - Emil Jones Jr
- Illinois State Senate Democrats - Senate President Emil Jones, Jr. profile
|
||||||||||||||||
