Maggie Crotty facts for kids

Mary Margaret "Maggie" Crotty (born October 16, 1948 – died November 5, 2020) was an American politician. She was known for her work in Illinois government. Maggie Crotty served as the Bremen Township Supervisor from 2005 to 2020. She was also a member of the Democratic Party. From 2003 to 2013, she represented the 19th district in the Illinois Senate.

In the Senate, she led the Elections Committee. She was also Vice-Chairperson of the Local Government Committee. Maggie Crotty was a member of other important committees too. These included Higher Education, Labor, and Revenue. She decided not to run for reelection after her term ended in 2013.

Early Life and Community Work

Maggie Crotty was born in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from Mercy High School. Throughout her career, she was very involved in her community. She joined many groups and volunteered her time.

Some of the organizations she was part of included:

• Metropolitan Services Community Advisory Board
• Oak Forest Lions Club
• School District 228 Education Foundation
• South Star Services Advisory Board
• South Suburban College History Round Table
• United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Chicago Board of Directors
• Crisis Center of South Suburbia (Past President)
• Oak Forest Kiwanis Club (Member/Past President)
• Oak Forest High School Football Booster Club (Past Member/Secretary)
• Oak Forest Civil Service Commission

Maggie Crotty always worked to help people in her community. She volunteered for many non-profit groups.

Serving in the Illinois House of Representatives

Before joining the Illinois Senate, Maggie Crotty served in the Illinois House of Representatives. She was an Illinois State Representative for three terms. She was first elected to this role in 1996.

Before becoming a representative, she worked for a special education program. This program was called the Southwest Cook County Cooperative for Special Education.

Key Achievements in the Illinois State Senate

Maggie Crotty was elected to the Illinois Senate in 2003. This happened when the previous senator, William Mahar, Jr., moved to a different district. This created an open spot in the 19th district.

While in the Senate, Maggie Crotty focused on important issues. These included health and education. She worked to pass laws that would make a difference.

Supporting Education and Students

Maggie Crotty helped expand state reading grants. These grants now help students in grades 7 through 12. She also wanted to increase state funding for special education. This would help school districts provide better support for students with special needs.

She also helped get money for a program for young children with autism. This program helps with diagnosis and education. It received $10.2 million to help families.

Helping Seniors and Families

Maggie Crotty worked to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors. She co-sponsored a bill to create a discount buying group. This allowed seniors to save up to 50% on their medicine costs. This program started in January 2004.

In 2009, she helped pass a bill to improve living conditions for many citizens. This bill provided $64.2 million to help workers. These workers provided services like homemaking and housekeeping for seniors. The money helped increase their wages. It also helped them get health insurance for themselves and their families. This meant more people could get health coverage.

Protecting Vulnerable Citizens

Maggie Crotty also played a big part in creating the "Silver Alert" system in Illinois. This system is like the "AMBER Alert" for missing children. The "Silver Alert" helps law enforcement find missing seniors and people with disabilities. It warns drivers on highways about these missing individuals.

After Her Time in the Legislature

At the time of her passing, Maggie Crotty was the supervisor of Bremen Township, Illinois.

In 2013, she was appointed as a trustee for the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation. This foundation helps groups in Illinois improve energy efficiency. It provides financial support to schools, governments, and other organizations.

Awards and Recognition

Senator Crotty received several awards for her work:

• General Excellence Award from the Illinois State Crime Commission (2000)
• Legislator of the Year from the Illinois Association of Park Districts (2000)
• Friend of Taxpayers Award from Nation Taxpayers United of Illinois (1999)
• Outstanding Freshman Legislator
• Illinois Health Care Association Award

Personal Life

Maggie Crotty passed away on November 5, 2020, at the age of 72. She was a dedicated public servant. She worked hard to improve the lives of people in Illinois.