2007:

Northern Illinois Public Health Consortium
Public Health Champion

Illinois Academy of Family Physicians
President's Award

2006:

Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization (IVI-IPO)
Ethel Parker Award for Outstanding Legislative Achievement

2005:

American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago
Catch your Breath Legacy Award

Transportation Revenue Management Group
Distinguished Public Service Award

Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence
Legislative Advocacy Award

Jane Adams Senior Caucus
Certificate of Recognition

Illinois HomeCare Council
Certificate of Appreciation

2004: Illinois Judges Association Constitutional Scholar Award Organization of the Northeast Jobs Justice Leadership Award Independent Voters of Illinois - Independent Precinct Organization (IVI-IPO) Best Legislative Voting Record Award

Illinois State Bar Association
Presidential Commendation

Retired Teachers Association of Chicago
Certificate of Appreciation

Illinois Association of Drug Court Professions
Outstanding Contribution toward the Advancement of Illinois Drug Courts

Office of State Appellate Defender
Recognition of Extraordinary Leadership in Reforming the Criminal Justice System

Target Area Devcorp
Recognition of Outstanding Leadership in Criminal Justice Reform

Illinois Bankers Association
Outstanding Legislator

Meharry-State Farm Alliance
Seatbelt Champion Award

2003:

Illinois Traffic Safety Leaders
Exemplary Leadership in the Field of Traffic Safety in Illinois

Access Living
Legislator of the Year

National Transportation and Safety Board
State Safety Leadership Award

Illinois Judges Association
Constitutional Scholar Award

2002:

The Illinois Surgical Assistant Association
Outstanding Support of Illinois Surgical Assistants

Illinois Department of Transportation
Certificate of Recognition

Howard Brown
Friend for Life Award

2001:

Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police
Public Official of the Year

Illinois Association of County Board Members and Commissioners
Legislator of the Year

Illinois Public Health Association
Lifetime Achievement Award

Chicago Teachers Union
Certificate of Honor

Also recognized by:

American Heart Association
Community Association Industry
Illinois Psychiatric Society
Illinois Press Association
American Coalition for Traffic Safety
Children's Memorial Hospital
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety