State Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin was sworn in as a freshman lawmaker in Springfield last January, but before she ever stepped foot in the State Capitol, the former mayor of Olympia Fields had already acquired more than enough public service knowledge to understand the challenges ahead.
“Mayors see a little of everything, “Meyers-Martin said. “Whether it’s property taxes, public safety, economic development, infrastructure, the more you serve at the local government level, the more you will understand the day-to-day needs of your constituents. I think having been a Mayor is a tremendous asset to be a lawmaker because you’ve had that on-the-ground experience. I believe that is something I can offer to my colleagues. It also helped me hone my persuasion skills and be a better negotiator, which requires both advocating and listening.”
Among many issues Meyers-Martin used those public service skills to address, one was passing a complicated but necessary new law to give people easier access to affordable and accessible financial institutions and avoid predatory financial practices.
“A lot of working families and senior citizens have a deep distrust of traditional banks for a variety of reasons, so it is vital we give those consumers access to the information they need to find trustworthy and affordable institutions where they can feel secure in putting their money,” Meyers-Martin explained. “I was proud to work with my colleagues and across the aisle on something that I believe will have a positive impact on consumers moving forward.”
My message to women of color in business and politics; ‘You deserve to be here, don’t let anyone tell you different!’
-Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin
In addition to financial protection issues, Meyers-Martin worked to address infant mortality in the black community, strengthen maternity care rights, and fought for equal pay protections for women and women of color, all issues she championed as a
member of both the Legislative Black Caucus and the Illinois House Democratic Women’s Caucus.
“I am proud to bring my perspective and experiences to the Capitol because I know it is one more diverse voice that is much needed in this building,’ Meyers-Martin added. “My message to women in business and politics, especially women of color, as they start their careers it’s this; “You deserve to be here, don’t let anyone tell you different. Be confident in yourself and good things will come. And when those good days do come, don’t forget to reach behind you and mentor someone who can benefit from your experience. That’s how we succeed.”
The mission of the IHDWC is to promote the leadership of women elected to the Illinois House of Representatives and to create inclusive and collaborative policy outcomes for the state. The caucus is working to address systemic challenges for women in government and throughout the state, and to provide resources and forums for leadership development, mentoring and issue expertise that will elevate the role of women in public service.
