For 20 years, I've worked hard to advocate
the state's views on national issues while lobbying for federal support for
local initiatives. Through my position on the Appropriations Committee, I've
helped to bring federal dollars back to Illinois
to fund projects ranging from the Greater Rockford Airport to the Rock Island
Arsenal. I take seriously my role in helping develop partnerships between
local, state and federal governments and have worked to coordinate many jointly
funded projects, including a new U.S. Coast Guard station to patrol Chicago's Lake Michigan
shoreline.
