Dear Friend, I want to thank you for the opportunity to be your voice and represent your values in the Illinois General Assembly during the past 15 years. It has been a tremendous privilege to serve, and I am very proud of the things we have been able to accomplish together: • raising the minimum wage; • expanding equal pay protections to more women; • passing landmark human rights legislation; • universal pre school and early childhood expansion; • increasing funding and services for HIV related illnesses; • creating the first child safety product legislation in the nation; • expanding health care to more working families; • protecting a woman's right to reproductive choice; • establishing universal health care for every child; • creating more opportunities for nurses to provide quality health care. While I appreciated the opportunity to serve you in Springfield, I decided last October that it was time to give a new person a chance. Announcing this when I did allowed the Democratic primary voters in our district to choose my successor. I am pleased that Heather Steans won the primary election after a vigorous campaign. She will be a strong advocate and a steady voice on the issues our community cares about so deeply. I will continue to guide the future direction of the Democratic Party. As the newly elected Democratic Committeeman of the 48th Ward, the State Central Committewoman of the 9th Congressional District and a member of the Democratic National Committee (yes, a "super delegate"), I will be a strong voice for our community's priorities and concerns. The distinct possibility that Barack Obama will be our next President provides great promise to change the direction of our politics -- and of our country. I have been blessed with so many incredible experiences over the past 15 years and have met so many people who have taught me so much: The constituent struggling to care for a disabled child who needed state help to keep the child home instead of being institutionalized; the couple who lost their child because an unsafe crib that had been recalled was still in use at a child care center; the dedicated advance practice nurses who could provide service in every state except Illinois; the young woman who shared a note from a landlord who refused to rent to her because she was a lesbian; the tireless advocates who visit Springfield every year to stand up for people who don't have PACs and can't afford high priced lobbyists. Nothing is ever accomplished in public life without the hard work and dedication of people joined together in a common cause. I take great satisfaction in knowing that much of what we accomplished over the years is having a significant impact on the lives of so many people. I want to thank each of you for giving me the opportunity to make a difference. And don't be surprised if I come calling on you again. Warmest regards,
