Heather Steans

Heather Steans was a Democratic member of the Illinois State Senate, representing District 7 from 2008 to January 31, 2021.1 Here are some key details about her:

Political Career

Steans served in the Illinois State Senate for over 12 years, assuming office in 2008 and resigning on January 31, 2021.1 During her tenure, she:

• Chaired the Senate's Appropriations I Committee and led budget negotiations2
• Sponsored and passed significant legislation, including:
  • The Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, which legalized same-sex marriage in Illinois3
  • Legislation to tax and regulate cannabis2
  • Reforms to the state's Medicaid program and nursing home regulations2
  • Environmental initiatives to reduce mercury waste and create commercial composting capabilities2

Education and Professional Background

• B.A. in Urban Studies from Princeton University1
• M.A. in Public Policy from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government1
• Former budget director of the Wisconsin Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations2
• Served as a strategic planner with Chicago Public Schools2
• Worked as a consultant with Ernst & Young2

Personal Life

• Born on May 8, 1963, in Lake Forest, Illinois1
• Lives in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago with her husband Leo and their children2
• Chairs her family's foundation, the Steans Family Foundation, which assists residents of Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood24

Steans has received numerous awards for her work, including the Legislator of the Year Award from AARP and the Equality Illinois Freedom Award.2