Emil Jones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Emil Jones
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February 2009
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| President of the Illinois Senate | |
| In office January 8, 2003 – January 3, 2009 |
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| Preceded by | James Philip |
| Succeeded by | John Cullerton |
| Member of the Illinois Senate | |
| In office January 3, 1983 – January 3, 2009 |
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| Preceded by | Constituency established |
| Succeeded by | Emil Jones III |
| Constituency | 17th district (1983–1993) 14th district (1993–2009) |
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 28th district |
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| In office January 8, 1973 – January 3, 1983 |
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| Succeeded by | Constituency abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 18, 1935 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Lorrie Jones |
| Education | Harold Washington College Roosevelt University (BA) |
Emil Jones Jr. was born on October 18, 1935. He is an American politician who served as the leader of the Illinois Senate from 2003 to 2009. As a member of the Democratic Party, Jones was a state senator in Illinois from 1983 to 2009. Before that, he was a member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 1973 to 1983.
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Education and Learning
Emil Jones Jr. went to Tilden Technical High School in Chicago and finished in 1953. He then earned a degree from Loop Junior College, which is now called Harold Washington College. After that, he studied Business Administration at Roosevelt University.
In 2004, Roosevelt University gave Jones an honorary doctorate degree. This special degree recognized his achievements and contributions. Chicago State University also gave him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
Starting in Politics
Emil Jones Jr.'s father was involved in politics in Chicago. Jones began his own political journey by working for John F. Kennedy during the 1960 presidential election.
Seven years later, he started working as an assistant to a city council member. He worked for the city for 30 years, including 20 years with the Sewer Department. He retired from that job in 1993.
Time in the Legislature
Emil Jones Jr. was first elected to public office in 1973. He became a member of the Illinois House of Representatives. He served in the House until 1983. During this time, he led the Insurance Committee and was an Assistant Democratic Leader.
In 1982, he was elected to the Illinois Senate. Besides being the Senate President, he was also part of the Executive Committee. Jones played a key role in Barack Obama's successful campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2004. He helped Obama meet important people and work on important laws, which helped Obama become more well-known.
As President of the Senate, Jones had the power to stop proposed laws from being voted on, even if many senators wanted to vote.
Important Political Ideas
During his time in the Illinois General Assembly, Emil Jones Jr. strongly supported funding for public education in Illinois. He believed it was important to provide good schools for students.
He was also very helpful to then-State Senator Barack Obama during Obama's campaign for the United States Senate. Jones's support was a big part of Obama's success.
Personal Life
Emil Jones Jr. has lived in Chicago for a long time. He is married to Dr. Lorrie Jones, who is a psychologist. He and his first wife, Patricia, who has passed away, had four children. Emil Jones Jr. is a Catholic.
