Elga L Jefferies : Ask Biography

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Elga L. Jefferies is a Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 26th District since her appointment in June 2006 after the death of the former Representative, Lovana "Lou" Jones. Jefferies won election in her own right Nov. 7, 2006, but was defeated in the 2008 primary election, finishing third out of five candidates.

The principal issues on her agenda are health care, education, affordable housing, mental health issues, and the availability of continuing education to dropouts and others who did not graduate from high school.

Jefferies has been involved in community activities since her young adult years in organizations such as the Palmer House for Boys, the Near North Organization, Operation P.U.S.H., the Task Force for Black Empowerment, the National Democratic Organization, the Bronzeville Merchants Association and as Deputy Mayor of Bronzeville and is a member of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus.

Jefferies voted "present" in the impeachment of Governor Rod Blagojevich on January 9, 2009.