Awards

LAGBAC, Chicago’s LGBTQIA+ Bar Association – Advocate Award

Women’s Bar Association of Illinois – Top Women Legislators in Leadership

Supportive Housing Providers Association – Legislative Champion

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

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

National Council of Jewish Women Chicago – Hannah G. Solomon Award

Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization (iBIO) – Leadership Coin for supporting the Illinois life sciences

Simon Wiesenthal Center- Woman of Valor Award

National Council for Behavioral Health – Excellence in Advocacy Award

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Illinois Public Health Association – Legislator of the Year

Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association – For Work on Illinois Civil Unions Law

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chicago Teachers Union – Certificate of Commendation

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