Debbie Halvorson

Debbie Halvorson

U.S. House, Illinois - District 11

  • An effective legislator with experience
  • An open seat triumph
  • A proven advocate for Illinois' working families

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About Debbie Halvorson

Out with the old and in with the blue

In 2008, Democratic leaders were working to recruit state Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson to challenge GOP Cong. Jerry Weller in Illinois’s 11th congressional district. When Weller announced his retirement, this seat shot to the top of the list of prime Democratic pick-up opportunities. Halvorson's decisive victory confirmed that this district was ready for change. But Republicans aren't ready -- or willing -- to see change any time soon, and they've made taking over this seat one of their top 2010 priorities.

An American success story

Halvorson was told growing up that college was “for the boys.” She married at 21 and became a stay-at-home mom and community volunteer. In 1996, she knocked off an 18-year Republican incumbent in her first run for the state Senate. At the state level, Halvorson moved from chair of the Democratic caucus to Senate majority leader -- the first woman in Illinois history! She also went back to college, earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. In Congress, Halvorson has used her own experience to become a powerful advocate for women and working families.

A savvy legislator

Halvorson commands respect as a legislator who gets things done. In Congress, she's been at the forefront of environmental policy, voting for funding for green jobs and sustainable energy solutions. A member of the Veteran's Affairs committee -- and step-mother of a U.S. soldier -- Halvorson has also led the way for better veterans' benefits, helping pass legislation to aid families and caretakers of injured veterans. Her leadership couldn't be more crucial in Washington right now -- and Democrats will have to rally behind her to prevent Republican attacks from distracting voters next November.

March 7, 2010

Joliet health care center gets funds

The Herald News

Joliet health care center gets funds

The political debate over national health care reform is fierce in Congress. But U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson, D-Crete, was on safe ground Friday when she announced $6 million in federal stimulus money for a new community health care center in Joliet.

Halvorson was at Silver Cross Hospital, where the center will be built before the hospital moves to a New Lenox location in 2012.

The congresswoman was surrounded by a cheering crowd of mostly Silver Cross employees as she described the role the federal government had in making the future health care center possible.

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March 6, 2010

Stamping plant fortunes to improve with Ford Explorer SUV

NWI

Stamping plant fortunes to improve with Ford Explorer SUV

Production of the Ford Explorer in Chicago will give an opportunity to employees at the automaker's stamping plant in the city to feel more secure in their jobs and bring much needed investment to the south suburbs, union officials said Friday.

Employees at Ford Motor Co.'s Chicago Stamping Plant, representatives from United Auto Workers Local 588 and Ford officials spoke to The Times on Friday while leading a tour of the plant for U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson, D-Ill.

The mood of employees at the Cottage Grove Avenue and Lincoln Highway facility is vastly improved from where it was in November 2008 when layoffs hit the stamping plant and the assembly plant lost its second shift, said Matt Kolanowski, chairman of the UAW's local bargaining unit.

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