Elga Lee Jefferies (born July 10, 1946) is an American politician who served as a Democratic Party member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 26th District during the 95th Illinois General Assembly. Jeffries' appointment came following the death of the former Representative, Lovana "Lou" Jones; she then proceeded to be elected to her position in November 2006, but was later defeated in the 2008 primary election, finishing third out of five candidates.
Elga L. Jefferies | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 26th district | |
| In office June 3, 2006 – January 14, 2009 | |
| Preceded by | Lovana Jones |
| Succeeded by | William D. Burns |
| Member of the Illinois Senate from the 3rd district | |
| In office December 19, 2002 ― January 8, 2003 | |
| Preceded by | Margaret Smith |
| Succeeded by | Mattie Hunter |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 10, 1946[1] Chicago, Illinois |
| Political party | Democratic |
Margaret Smith resigned from the Illinois Senate on December 12, 2002. Jefferies was appointed to succeed her from December 19, 2002, until the winner of the November 2002 general election, Mattie Hunter, was sworn in on January 8, 2003.[2][3]
On June 3, 2006, Jefferies was appointed to succeed the late Lovana Jones.[4] Her agenda during her tenure in the House focused on physical and mental healthcare, affordable housing, and providing access to education for adults who did not complete high school.
Jefferies has been involved in community activities since her young adult years, working with organizations such as the Palmer House for Boys, the Near North Organization, Operation P.U.S.H., the Task Force for Black Empowerment, the National Democratic Organization, and the Bronzeville Merchants Association, serving as Deputy Mayor of Bronzeville. She is a member of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus.
Jefferies voted "present" in the impeachment of Governor Rod Blagojevich on January 9, 2009.[5][6]
References
edit- ^ "Official Profile: Illinois (IL) State Representative Elga L. Jefferies [IL House of Representatives]". Archived from the original on 2011-07-11. Retrieved 2009-05-27.
- ^ Miller, David R. (ed.). "African American Legislators in Illinois, 1876-2005 Table 4: African American Legislators in Leadership Positions in Illinois, 1876-2005" (PDF). First Reading. Illinois General Assembly Legislative Research Unit. p. 21. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
- ^ Harry, Jim, ed. (January 6, 2003). "Senate Journal 92nd General Assembly 117th Legislative Day" (PDF). Illinois Senate. pp. 4–6. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
- ^ "House Journal – House of Representatives – Ninety-Fourth Annual General Assembly 129TH Legislative Day" (PDF). November 1, 2006. p. 6. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
- ^ "Illinois House impeaches Gov. Rod Blagojevich". NBC News. 2009-01-07. Retrieved 2022-02-22.
- ^ "Blago Impeached". NBC4 Washington. 2009-01-09. Retrieved 2022-02-22.
- Steponenaite, Gabija, "Jefferies ready for full term", The Gazette (Chicago), Nov. 3, 2006.
External links
edit- Illinois General Assembly - Representative Elga L. Jefferies (D) 26th District official IL House website
- Project Vote Smart - Senator Elga L. Jefferies (IL) profile
- Follow the Money - Elga L Jefferies
- 2006 campaign contributions
- Illinois House Democrats - Elga L. Jefferies profile
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