Many people remember Penny Severns as the State Senator who always had a kind word or a pat on the arm for her many constituents in the 51st District. They remember the legislator who never seemed to forget anyone’s name or family. Still others remember the eastside girl who couldn’t resist a chocolate chip cookie or a Lakeview High School student whose interest in politics and government foreshadowed her career successes.
Penny Severns was inspired to enter politics by President John F. Kennedy. Severns was a woman of many firsts. While still in college, Penny became the youngest delegate ever elected to the Democratic National Convention, in 1972. In 1983, she was elected to the Decatur City Council with the highest number of votes ever. She was elected to the State Senate in 1986.
Penny Severns had a single-minded devotion to her job and she had magnetism. Her accomplishments included reforms in child support enforcement, tough budget negotiations and she was an advocate for campaign finance reform and breast cancer research.
Even with her strong fight with cancer, Senator Severns continued doing her job. She never let cancer get the best of her. She fought it until the very end; she fought a good fight. Penny lost her life to cancer in February of 1998.
State Senator Penny Severns, a leader remembered for taking the less traveled road with uncommon success. She will be missed by her legacy will be lasting.
Penny Severns had a single-minded devotion to her job and she had magnetism. Her accomplishments included reforms in child support enforcement, tough budget negotiations and she was an advocate for campaign finance reform and breast cancer research.
Even with her strong fight with cancer, Senator Severns continued doing her job. She never let cancer get the best of her. She fought it until the very end; she fought a good fight. Penny lost her life to cancer in February of 1998.
State Senator Penny Severns, a leader remembered for taking the less traveled road with uncommon success. She will be missed by her legacy will be lasting.
Completed applications should be submitted to:
Illinois Democratic Women
c/o Helen Louise Sheridan
1023 S. Galena Ave.
Dixon, IL 61021
You can also donate to the Penny Severns Scholarship Fund online through Act Blue
Paid for by Illinois Democratic Women. A copy of our report is (or will be) available for purchase from the State Board of Elections, 1020 S. Spring Street, Springfield, IL 62704.
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