SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, released the following statement following her selection as assistant majority leader of the House of Representatives:  

“It is an honor to have been nominated by my fellow Latino Caucus members to be our community’s voice in leadership. Now more than ever, Latinos and immigrants need representation in government and someone who is going to work to put an end to the bigoted policies of Donald Trump.

“I am an advocate at heart and I have spent my entire career fighting on behalf of children, women and immigrants. I am humbled to be able to serve alongside other fearless leaders whose values I share. I’m ready to utilize my new post to ensure our local public schools are funded, that working families have access to affordable childcare and health care, and that children are never torn away from their parents.”  

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, will lead as Assistant Majority Leader for the House Democratic Caucus and serve as an advocate for her district as a member of committees focused on human services, transportation and financial institutions.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve as a leader within my caucus as we fight on behalf of working families throughout our state,” Manley said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues as we focus on improving wages, lowering burdensome property taxes, protecting access to critically-needed health care, investing in our schools and other priorities.”

In addition to beginning her first term as Assistant Majority Leader, Manley will serve on committees that will consider legislation that will impact her district. Through the House Transportation: Regulation, Roads and Bridges and Transportation: Vehicles and Safety Committees, Manley will play a role in legislation that relates to laws of the road, infrastructure and public transit. She will also consider legislation that relates to banking and other fiscal services on the Financial Institutions Committee. Serving as the Vice-Chair of the Human Services Committee, Manley will work on issues that impact non-profit organizations, social service agencies and our state’s most vulnerable individuals.

“Committees play a critical role in the legislative process, and it is where most of the compromises and revisions are taken into consideration before advancement,” Manley said. “I look forward to listening to advocates, residents and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle as we work to address the challenges that face our state and community.”