2007: American Cancer Society In Recognition of Leadership in Passing the Smoke-Free Illinois Act 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 Illinois Maternal & Child Health Coalition Legislator of the Year AIDSCare Community Leadership Award 2006: Families and Children's AIDS Network Advocacy Award Children's Home & Aid Society of Illinois Outstanding Leadership and Advocacy 2006: Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Org. 2006 Best Legislative Voting Record Awards, Honorable Mention American Legion, 6th District Council Certificate of Appreciation for Support and Promotion of the Legion Gay Games VII 100 Champions Junior League of Chicago Recognition of Support Supportive Housing Providers Association Three-Legged Stool Award 2005: Northeastern IL University Scholarship Named in Honor of Rep. Feigenholtz NAMES Project Foundation, AIDS Memorial Quilt Hopeful Spirit Award Illinois Primary Health Care Associatioin 2005 Legislative Recognition Award Progress Center for Independent Living 2005 Legislative Award About Face Theatre Leppen Leadership Award Illinois Committee For Honest Government Distinguished Service Award

Planned Parenthood Illinois Richard J. Phelan Profile in Courage Award 2004: Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization Best Legislative Voting Record Award Chicago Association of Retarded Citizens Senate President Emil Jones, Jr. Leadership Award

Chicago Free Press
Favorite Local Politician

Equality Illinois
Distinguished Legislature Award

Children's Place
Children's Hero Award

Guild for the Blind
William F. Lynch Service Award

Illinois Environmental Council Award
100% Environmental Voting Record Award

Prevent Blindness
Women of Vision

2003:

Community Behavioral Health Care Association of Illinois
Legislator of the Year Award

Vital Bridges
Food for Life Award

Friend of Consumer Award The Illinois Coalition for Competitive Telecommunications AIDS Foundation of Chicago Leadership and Vision in the Fight Against AIDS Howard Brown Friend for Life Award Illinois Environmental Council Award 100% Environmental Voting Record Award

Thresholds Special Recognition Award
Service to the Mental Health Community

The Children's Place Association
Children's Hero Award

Champaign County Health Care Consumers
Legislative Leadership Award

AIDS Legal Council
Advocate of the year

Palliative Care Center & Hospice of the North Shore
2003 Legislative Service Award

2002:

Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute
Angels in Adoption

TransGenesis
Phenomenal Friend of the Community

Congregation or Chadash Congregation
Legislator of the Year

Hearts Foundation
Biggest Heart Award

Mitzvah Award
Jewish Council for Youth Services

2001:

Campaign for Better Health Care
Legislator of the Year

Illinois Psychological Association
Outstanding Legislator

Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame
Inductee as Friend of the Community

D.A.W.G. (Dog Advisory Work Group)
Extraordinary Community Service

Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities in Illinois
Sen. Penny Severn's Memorial Award

Midwest Democracy Center
Advocate of Democracy Award

Illinois Public Health Association
Legislative Award of Appreciation

Chicago House
Public Service Award

Equality Illinois
Distinguished Legislator Award

2000:

Illinois Primary Health Care Association
Legislator of the Year

Chicago Teachers Union
Lead 2000 Award

1999:

Illinois Hospitals and Health Systems Association
Outstanding Legislator

Test Positive Aware Network
TPAN Visionary Award

1998:

Lead Elimination Action Drive
Leadership Award

1997:

IMPACT
Human Rights Hero Award

Also recognized by:

MENDAC Institute on Early Childhood 2002
Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce 2001
Delta Kappa Gamma Society (educational sorority) 2001
Lakeview Action Coalition 2001
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago 2000
It's Time, Illinois 2000
AIDS Foundation of Chicago 2000
Chicago Teachers Union 1996-2000
Illinois Primary Health Care Association 1999
Southside Health Consortium 1999
Children Remembered 1999
Native American Foster Parents Association 1999
Wrightwood Neighbors 1999
Methodist Youth Services 1999
Organization of the Northeast 1998
Counseling Center of Lakeview 1997
National Conference of State Legislatures 1997