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. (born October 18, 1935) is an American politician. He was the President of the Illinois Senate from 2003 to 2009. As a member of the Democratic Party, Jones served in the Illinois Senate for many years. Before that, he was a member of the Illinois House of Representatives.
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His Early Life and Education
Emil Jones Jr. was born on October 18, 1935. He grew up in Chicago, Illinois. He went to Tilden Technical High School and finished in 1953.
After high school, he continued his education. He earned a degree from Loop Junior College, which is now called Harold Washington College. Later, he studied Business Administration at Roosevelt University.
In recognition of his work, Roosevelt University gave Jones an honorary degree in 2004. Chicago State University also gave him an honorary degree.
Starting in Politics
Emil Jones Jr. began his political journey early. His father was involved in local politics in Chicago. Jones started working in politics by helping with John F. Kennedy's presidential campaign in 1960.
Later, he worked as an assistant to a city official. He spent 30 years working for the city of Chicago. This included 20 years with the Sewer Department.
His Time in the Illinois Legislature
Jones started his elected career in 1973. He was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives. He served there from 1973 to 1983. During this time, he led the Insurance Committee. He also worked as an Assistant Democratic Leader.
In 1982, he was elected to the Illinois Senate. He became the President of the Illinois Senate in 2003. He held this important position until he left office in 2009. As President, he helped decide which laws would be voted on.
Emil Jones Jr. played a big role in Barack Obama's path to the U.S. Senate. In 2004, Jones helped Obama meet important people. He also let Obama work on key laws. This helped Obama become more well-known.
Jones was also a member of important groups for state leaders. These groups included the Forum of Senate Presidents' Board of Directors. He was also on the State Legislative Leaders Foundation's Board of Directors.
What He Cared About
During his time in the Illinois government, Jones supported important issues. He strongly believed in getting enough money for public schools in Illinois. He worked to make sure schools had the resources they needed.
He also helped Barack Obama during his campaign for the United States Senate. Jones's support was very helpful for 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, had four children. Emil Jones Jr. is a Catholic.
