Patricia Van Pelt, Illinois State Senator for the 5th Legislative District
Elected as State Senator in November of 2012, Illinois State Senator Patricia Van Pelt has fought her way to the forefront of Chicago’s political landscape and continues to fight for its citizens. Raised in Cabrini Green, Van Pelt’s professional life has included her being a drill operator and union steward at Ingersoll Steel Mill. She eventually went on to found TARGET Area Development Corporation and co-founded Ambassadors of Christ Church.
Since being sworn in early 2013, Van Pelt has sponsored or co-sponsored legislation that 1) allows drivers to temporarily stay on the road without a current vehicle registration sticker; 2) makes people found wrongfully accused of crimes no longer liable for costs or fees incurred while in custody, and 3) extends the statute of limitations for sexual assault cases.
Committee assignments: Energy; Appropriations I; Criminal Law; Labor and Commerce; Public Health; Committee of the Whole; Subcommittee on Special Issues (PH); Joint Criminal Justice Reform Comm..
