Trailblazing Illinois Lawmaker Who Crossed Aisles
# **Barbara Flynn Currie: A Trailblazer’s Legacy in Illinois Politics**
Barbara Flynn Currie, a towering figure in Illinois politics who served **forty years** in the Illinois House, passed away at **85**. Her career, spanning from **1978** to **2017**, was marked by groundbreaking achievements, unwavering principle, and a rare willingness to challenge party orthodoxy.
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## **Defying the Party Line**
In a defining moment in **2016**, Currie became the **only Democrat** to shake hands with **three Republican colleagues** who defied their leadership to override Governor Bruce Rauner’s veto on a pension plan. Her gesture was a testament to her independence—a trait that defined her decades-long tenure.
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## **Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Arena**
When Currie began her career, women held **fewer than 11%** of seats in the state legislature. Yet, she shattered expectations by becoming the **first female majority leader in 1997**, a role traditionally reserved for downstate Democrats. Her ascent sent a powerful message: leadership knows no gender.
From this platform, she championed reforms that reshaped Illinois:
✔ **Workplace Protections** – Fighting to end sexual harassment.
✔ **Education Equity** – Reforming school funding to ensure fairness.
✔ **Early Childhood Access** – Expanding all-day kindergarten.
✔ **Economic Inclusion** – Opening state contracts to minority- and women-owned businesses.
✔ **Welfare Reform** – Negotiating compromises to balance accountability and support.
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## **A Voice for Justice, Regardless of Party**
Currie’s commitment to principle over partisanship was never more evident than in 2009, when she led a bipartisan committee to recommend the impeachment of Governor Rod Blagojevich. Her argument was clear: undermining election results was a violation of democracy itself.
The impeachment succeeded with near-unanimous support, proving her ability to unite across divides.
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Policy Over Politics: Safety and Reform
Beyond her legislative victories, Currie remained a steadfast advocate for:
- Gun Control – Prioritizing public safety over partisan divides.
- Abolishing the Death Penalty – Standing firm on moral and ethical grounds.
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A Life of Service Beyond Politics
Born in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Currie moved to Chicago’s South Side at age seven. After early studies and a brief marriage, she returned to academia, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science.
Her influence extended beyond the Capitol:
- Vice President, Chicago League of Women Voters
- Professor at DePaul University
- Researcher at the National Opinion Research Center
She retired in 2017, leaving behind a legislature where women had grown from under 10% to over 40%—a testament to her enduring impact.
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Personal Legacy
Currie is survived by her two children and four grandchildren. Her husband, a respected legal scholar, passed in 2007. Though her political career has ended, her legacy as a pioneer, reformer, and unifier endures.
