Illinois State Senator Jeff Schoenberg

BIOGRAPHY

     Since 1990, Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston) has been one of the Illinois General Assembly's most active and respected members. A former six-term State Representative, Schoenberg is serving his first term as State Senator from Illinois' 9th Legislative District.

     Included in the 9th District are the communities of Evanston, Northfield, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Wilmette and Golf, as well as sections of Glenview, Northbrook, Glencoe, Morton Grove and Skokie.

     As a first-term State Senator, Jeff Schoenberg co-chairs the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability. He serves as chairman of the Senate Appropriations II Committee and is vice-chair of the Senate Appropriations III Committee. He remains a member of the Senate Appropriations I Committee. Schoenberg is also a member of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.

     Since his election to the state's General Assembly in 1990, Schoenberg has built a strong reputation for tackling some of state governments most challenging and technical problems. In the Illinois Senate, Schoenberg continues to take a hard-line stance against political deals and inefficient government spending. During the 93rd General Assembly, Schoenberg introduced legislation that would enact substantial reforms at the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority. Additionally, Schoenberg sponsored legislation that encourages state fiscal responsibility by establishing a Budget Stabilization or "Rainy Day" fund for future budget deficits.

     Senator Schoenberg also continues his commitment to accessible and affordable healthcare. Schoenberg spearheaded efforts to capture more federal Medicaid dollars via an innovative Hospital Assessment proposal and he also plays an important role on in the Senate regarding public pension reform..

     For more than 16 years Schoenberg has proven to be one of Springfield's most effective legislators, sponsoring several key initiatives, including:

• Comprehensive contracting reform legislation which mandates competitive bidding for billions annually in goods and services and tougher safeguards against "sweetheart" deals for political insiders;
• The Managed Care Patients Rights Act, which would provide consumers with greater information about their health maintenance organizations and better access to quality health care;
• The Illinois Safe Choice Zones Act, which would establish a state criminal offense with possible civil penalties for anyone who interferes with an individual entering or leaving abortion clinics, hospitals and other medical facilities;
• Stricter gun control measures limiting firearm purchases and enabling law enforcement officials to better trace firearm use among juveniles;
• Stronger accountability and oversight standards at the Illinois Toll Highway Authority;
• Property tax reform measures, such as the Senior Citizen Tax Freeze Exemption and suburban property tax caps;
• Economic development support for high-tech and biotech small businesses.

     Senator Schoenberg is the Democratic Committeeman of Evanston Township. He served as Senator Bill Bradley's Illinois State Coordinator for the 2000 Presidential campaign. He has also been a delegate to the 2000 and 2004 Democratic National Conventions.

     Senator Schoenberg, his wife Lynne Sered, and their two children reside in northwest Evanston.