2024
LAGBAC, Chicago’s LGBTQIA+ Bar Association – Advocate Award
2023
Health Care Council of Illinois – Legislator of the Year Award
Illinois Environmental Council – Lifetime Achievement Award
Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association – Ambassador of Hospitality 2023 Award
2022
Illinois Environmental Council – Environmental Scorecard 100% Rating
The Illinois Farm Bureau – Friend of Agriculture Award
Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce – Business Advocacy Award
Oak Park Regional Housing Center – Distinguished Service in Housing
C4 – Appreciation Award
2021
National Council of Jewish Women Chicago – Hannah G. Solomon Award
2020
Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization (iBIO) – Leadership Coin for supporting the Illinois life sciences
Simon Wiesenthal Center- Woman of Valor Award
2019
National Council for Behavioral Health – Excellence in Advocacy Award
2018
Illinois Primary Health Care Association – Community Health Center Champion
Simon Wiesenthal Center – Woman of Valor Award
National Association of Social Workers – Illinois Chapter- Legislator of the Year Award
Planned Parenthood of Illinois – Richard J Phelan Profile of Courage Award
Illinois Farm Bureau – Friend of Agriculture Award
The Family Defense Center – Community Champion Award
Small Business Advocacy Council – Small Business Champion Award
Haymarket Center – Father Mac Appreciation Award
Decalogue Society of Lawyers – Light of Truth Award
2017
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – Legislative Award for House Bill 40
Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing – Lifetime Honorary member
Illinois Psychological Association – Legislative Award
Chicago Chapter National Organization for Women – Woman Who Dared Award
Consul General to the Midwest – Friend of Israel Award
2016
Illinois Farm Bureau – Friend of Agriculture Award
LeadingAge Illinois – Partners in Quality Award
Lakeview Pantry – Champion Advocate Award
Illinois Office of Tourism and Illinois Convention and Visitors Bureaus – Friend of Tourism Award
2015
Thresholds – Hero Award
Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans – Legislator of the Year Award
Executive Board of the Women’s Legislative Network of NCSL – Midwestern Democrat Representative
Center for Law and Social Work – Family Matters Spirit Award
National Alliance on Mental Health – Community Service of the Year Award
Adoption Center of Illinois at Family Resource Center – Forever Family Angel Award
2014
National Kidney Foundation of Illinois – 29th Annual Gift of Life Award
Illinois Farm Bureau – Friend of Agriculture
Illinois Poison Center – Lifesaver Award
Temple Sholom/ Am Keshet – Chaverah Keshet, For Helping the LGBT Community Achieve Marriage Equality
Child Care Association of Illinois – For Her Commitment to the Children and Families of Illinois
Child Link – In Recognition of Her Advocacy for Human Services and Adoption Reform in Illinois
2013
Campaign for Better Health Care – Legislator of the Year
AARP Illinois – Legislator of the Year
Life Services Network – Legislator of the Year
Wellcare/Harmony – Community Hero Award
Alliance for Living – Champion for the Mentally Ill
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless – For Restoring Funds for Homeless Services
Humane Society of the United States – Legislator of the Year Awards
Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault – Moxie Award
Northwestern University and Northwestern Memorial Healthcare – Northwestern Medicine Campus Fellows Program
Pi Sigma Alpha, National Political Honor Society – Certificate of Appreciation for 35 Years of Public Service as a Member
Trilogy Inc, Behavioral Healthcare – Chicago – Partner in Recovery Award
2012
Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness – Partner in Change
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless – For Restoring Funds for Homeless Services
Citizen Action/Illinois – “Excellent” Cumulative Rating, General Assembly Legislative Scorecard
Expanded Mental Health Services – For Championing Chicago’s Mentally Ill
Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities – Achievement Award
Illinois Environmental Council – 100% Environmental Scorecard
Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force – Legislative Advocate of the Year
Thresholds – Hero Award
2011
Illinois Public Health Association – Legislator of the Year
Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association – For Work on Illinois Civil Unions Law
2010
Illinois Alcoholism & Drug Dependence Association (IADDA) – Legislative Leadership Award
Illinois Eye Institute – Visionary Award
Inter-Agency Committee on Employees with Disabilities – Special Recognition Award for Advocacy on Behalf of People with Disabilities
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois – Amicus Certus
PINK Magazine – for Generous Commitment of Time, Support and Inspiration to the LGBT Community
Sunny Ridge Family Center – Friend of Adoption
Thresholds – for Her Work with Institutions for Mental Diseases
2009
Adoption Information Center of Illinois – Friend of Adoption
Center On Halsted – Human First Award
Lakeview Action Coalition – Gregory Dell Award
Lakeview Pantry – Donor of the Month
The Chicago Jewish News – Chicagoan of the Year
2008
Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Org. – Best Legislative Voting Record
NAMI Illinois (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – Legislator of the Year
Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago – Lung Health Champion Award
The Arc of Illinois – Legislator of the Year
2007
AIDSCare – Community Leadership Award
American Cancer Society – In Recognition of Leadership in Passing the Smoke-Free Illinois Act
Illinois Association of Community Care Program Homecare Providers – Josephine Oblinger Award
Illinois Environmental Council – 100% Pro-environmental Voting Record
Illinois Maternal & Child Health Coalition – Legislator of the Year
Jane Addams Senior Caucus – In Recognition of Exceptional Leadership and Service Toward Improving the Community Care Program
Susan G. Komen for the Cure – Komen Champion for the Cure
Women’s Bar Association of Illinois – Women with Vision Award
2006
American Legion, 6th District Council – Certificate of Appreciation for Support and Promotion of the Legion
Applied Research Center – “A” Grade for Votes on Legislative Issues that Promote Racial Equality
Chicago Free Press – Best Local Politician
Children’s Home & Aid Society of Illinois – Outstanding Leadership and Advocacy
Families and Children’s AIDS Network – Advocacy Award
Gay Games VII – 100 Champions
Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Org. – 2006 Best Legislative Voting Record Awards, Honorable Mention
Junior League of Chicago – Recognition of Support
Supportive Housing Providers Association – Three-Legged Stool Award for Commitment to Funding Supportive Housing
2005
About Face Theatre – Leppen Leadership Award
Illinois Committee For Honest Government – Distinguished Service Award
Illinois Environmental Council – 100% Environmental Voting Record Awards
Illinois Primary Health Care Association – 2005 Legislative Recognition Award
Jane Addams Senior Caucus – Certificate of Recognition
Lakeview Pantry – Certificate of Appreciation for Her Ongoing Commitment to the Work of the Lakeview Pantry
NAMES Project Foundation, AIDS Memorial Quilt – Hopeful Spirit Award
Northeastern IL University Scholarship – Named in Honor of Rep. Feigenholtz
Planned Parenthood Illinois – Richard J. Phelan Profile in Courage Award
Progress Center for Independent Living – 2005 Legislative Award
The Youth Committee of Chicago Coalition for the Homeless – In Recognition of Outstanding Commitment and Leadership in Addressing Youth Homelessness
2004
Chicago Association of Retarded Citizens – Senate President Emil Jones, Jr. Leadership Award
Chicago Free Press – Favorite Local Politician
Children’s Place – Children’s Hero Award
Equality Illinois – Distinguished Legislature Award
Guild for the Blind – William F. Lynch Service Award
Illinois Department on Aging – Governor’s Award for Excellence
Illinois Environmental Council Award – 100% Environmental Voting Record Award
Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization – Best Legislative Voting Record Award
Prevent Blindness – Women of Vision
2003
AIDS Foundation of Chicago – Leadership and Vision in the Fight Against AIDS
AIDS Legal Council – Advocate of the Year
Champaign County Health Care Consumers – Legislative Leadership Award
Community Behavioral Health Care Association of Illinois – Legislator of the Year Award
Friend of Consumer Award – The Illinois Coalition for Competitive Telecommunications
Howard Brown – Friend for Life Award
Illinois Environmental Council – 100% Environmental Voting Record Award
Palliative Care Center & Hospice of the North Shore – 2003 Legislative Service Award
The Children’s Place Association – Children’s Hero Award
Thresholds Special Recognition Award – Service to the Mental Health Community
Vital Bridges – Food for Life Award
2002
Congregation or Chadash Congregation – Legislator of the Year
Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute – Angels in Adoption
Hearts Foundation – Biggest Heart Award
Mitzvah Award – Jewish Council for Youth Services
TransGenesis – Phenomenal Friend of the Community
2001
Campaign for Better Health Care – Legislator of the Year
Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame – Inductee as Friend of the Community
Chicago House – Public Service Award
Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities in Illinois – Sen. Penny Severn’s Memorial Award
D.A.W.G. (Dog Advisory Work Group) – Extraordinary Community Service
Equality Illinois – Distinguished Legislator Award
Illinois Coalition Against Tobacco – In Recognition of efforts to protect Illinois residents from the dangers of tobacco
Illinois Psychological Association – Outstanding Legislator
Illinois Public Health Association – Legislative Award of Appreciation
Lakeview Action Coalition – In Recognition of Outstanding Leadership for Family Care in Illinois
Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce – Distinguished Elected Official
Midwest Democracy Center – Advocate of Democracy Award
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International – In Appreciation of Devoted and Valuable Services
The Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities – Public Policy Award
2000
AIDS Foundation of Chicago – In Recognition of leadership and vision in the fight against AIDS.
Chicago Teachers Union – Lead 2000 Award
It’s Time, Illinois – For Commitment to inclusion of all members of the LBGT community within the scope of the Illinois Gender Violence Act
Illinois Primary Health Care Association – Legislator of the Year
The Jewish United Fund / Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago – In Recognition of supporting our agency services and facilities as essential community resources for the people of Illinois
1999
Chicago Teachers Union – Certificate of Commendation
Children Remembered, Inc. – In Recognition of Your Tireless and Courageous Dedication to the Advancement of Adoptees and Their Families
Jane Addams Senior Caucus / Lakeview Action Coalition / Interfaith Housing Development Corporation – for Invaluable Support and Assistance in Creating 83 Units of Affordable Housing for Seniors
Illinois Hospitals and Health Systems Association – Outstanding Legislator
Methodist Youth Services – Torchbearer of Excellence
NAMI Illinois – In Recognition of Dedication and Commitment to Mental Health Public Policy
Native American Foster Parents Association – For Your Contribution and Commitment to The Native American Foster Parents Association
Southside Health Consortium – Certificate of Appreciation
Test Positive Aware Network – TPAN Visionary Award
Wrightwood Neighbors Conservation Association – In Recognition and Appreciation for Her Support and Dedication to the Wrightwood Community
1998
Chicago Teachers Union – Certificate of Commendation
JUF Uptown Cafe – Inducted as Hero of JUF Uptown Cafe
Lead Elimination Action Drive – Leadership Award
University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health – Certificate of Appreciation for completing the Institute’s Fellowship Program for Public Health Leaders
1997
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / National Conference of of State Legislatures – Certificate of Merit
Chicago Teachers Union – Certificate of Commendation
Counseling Center of Lakeview – In Recognition of Legislative Leadership in Support of Persons in Need of Mental Health Services
Illinois Coalition of Women Against Rape / Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault – Certificate of Appreciation
IMPACT – Human Rights Hero Award
SSI Coalition for A Responsible Safety Net / Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund / Latino Institute / Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago / Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Protection / American Jewish Committee – Certificate of Appreciation for Supporting a Safety Net for Immigrants and Refugees
1996
Chicago Teachers Union – Certificate of Commendation
1995
American Jewish Congress – Certificate of Appreciation
Chicago Teachers Union – Certificate of Commendation
Illinois Healthcare Association – Outstanding Freshman Legislator of the Year
Illinois Hospital and Health Systems Association – Outstanding Freshman Legislator Award
Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence – Certificate of Appreciation