Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Political Illinois is mourning the death of Barbara Flynn Currie (pictured), the first woman to serve as House majority leader. Slight of stature but larger than life in power, Currie served forty years in the House of Representatives, the last 22 as majority leader. She passed away Friday morning at 85.
The current House Majority Leader, Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) said through tears, “There are people who shape your career, and then there are those rare individuals who shape who you are. Barbara was that person for me.”
Countless lawmakers – past and present – consider her a mentor. The representative who succeeded her from her Hyde Park Chicago district, Curtis Tarver II (D-Chicago), recounted her accomplishments: “Expanded the Earned Income Tax Credit, ended the death penalty, advanced marriage equality. She also led the House through one of the most serious Constitutional moments in the state’s history,” referring to the impeachment of then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
State Rep. Theresa Mah (D-Chicago) said the bed in her Springfield apartment used to belong to Currie. “I hope and pray that every night, after these long and tiring days, some of her positive energy rubs off on me while I sleep, and I get to benefit from her positive juju for many years to come.
In an emailed statement, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Hillside), said:
“Everyone who entered the Capitol today walked in the footsteps of Barabra Flynn Currie. As the trailblazing first woman to serve as House Majority Leader, she didn’t just break a glass ceiling—she lifted others up after her. In any room she set foot in, Barbara had the sharpest mind, the quickest wit, and the strongest drive to speak up for what she believed.
“I see the examples of her mentorship every day in the House, and we see the impact of her life’s work every day across the state. Illinois is a safe haven for reproductive rights because of Barbara Flynn Currie. Illinois protects voting rights, values our natural resources, and continues the march for justice because of Barbara Flynn Currie. And the House she joined in 1979 as one of just 21 women is now one of the most diverse and representative chambers in the country because of Barabra Flynn Currie.
“We are living in a state that Barbara Flynn Currie helped to transform—and we are all better for it.”
