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Sara Feigenholtz was first elected to the Illinois General Assembly in November of 1994 and represents three very progressive areas in the city of Chicago, which include Lakeview, Lincoln Park and Near North neighborhoods. Prior to becoming a state representative, Sara served as chief of staff to Senator John Cullerton, aiding him in many legislative and community efforts. It was this work that drove her to run for public office. As a state lawmaker, Sara has authored and championed legislation that runs a gamut of issues including adoption reform, AIDS funding, stem cell research, contraceptive equity for women, affordable and accessible health care, environmental issues and improving the quality of education in Illinois. Sara’s strong commitment to the residents of her district and sponsorship of historic legislation has earned her a reputation as a highly effective and well-regarded public servant. Her legislative efforts reflect the needs of her constituents and the greater needs of the State of Illinois. Sara, an adopted person herself, has worked tirelessly to improve the practice of adoption in Illinois. She is committed to assuring that adopted children in Illinois, and the families that are fostering or adopting them, are treated with utmost respect and dignity. Most recently, she passed historic legislation that grants adult adoptees access to their original birth certificates – a right that had been denied to Illinois adoptees since 1946. With this law, Illinois becomes the tenth and most populous state to enact such legislation. She has worked hard to ensure adoption laws in Illinois reflect a high level of integrity in the practice and placement of children. Sara has always made health care a legislative priority. She has authored a myriad of legislation for the expansion of screening, diagnosis and treatment for women. This legislation provides more accessibility to mammograms and breast cancer screening and treatment. Sara has also sponsored and successfully passed legislation requiring prescription drug plans to cover contraceptives. Some of her toughest fights and legislative victories include access to sterile syringes without a prescription, increased AIDS Drug Assistance funding (ADAP), HIV prevention measures and expansion of KidCare and Family Care. In addition to her cutting-edge legislation, Sara’s committee assignments reflect her dedication to the long-term health of Illinois’ citizens, neighborhoods and the economy. She chairs the House Human Services – Appropriations and the Adoption Reform Committees, and sits on the Mass Transit, Environment & Energy, Tourism & Conventions, and Insurance Committees. When Sara is away from Springfield, she is heavily involved in her community. She was formerly the Executive Director of the Central Lakeview Merchants Association and founder of her own consulting firm which raised over $1 million for pro-choice political candidates and charitable organizations. Now she continues her active involvement in leadership councils and governing boards of many local community organizations. Sara hopes to continue enacting effective and progressive legislation that represents both the residents of her district and the people of Illinois. |
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