IL HR1348

Honors former State Representative Constance A. "Connie" Howard for her years of service to Illinois, born December 14, 1942, in Chicago and educated at Chicago State University with degrees in liberal arts and criminal justice.

Recognizes her service as coordinator for Chicago Mayor Harold Washington's 1983 and 1987 campaigns, Carol Moseley-Braun's 1992 U.S. Senate campaign, and her work on Democratic National Convention committees in 1984, 1988, and 1996.

Elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1994 to represent the southeast side of Chicago and south suburbs, serving on committees including Aging, Small Business, Veterans Affairs, Housing, Healthcare Disparities, and Public Safety Appropriations.

Authored the Illinois African American HIV/AIDS Response Act to create a coordinated government response to the epidemic and advocated for breast cancer research funding, digital divide awareness, and internet access expansion in impoverished communities.

Led criminal justice reform efforts emphasizing rehabilitation and re-entry programs, working with faith-based and community organizations to provide job training and education opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals.