Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford Honors State Senator Jacqueline Collins for Commitment to Financial Issues

Springfield, IL – In light of the Centennial of International Women’s Day, Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford Thursday presented Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) with a lifetime achievement award for her tenacity in pursuing and promoting financial fairness, literacy, education and awareness.

“It is with great honor that I present my good friend and former Senate colleague Jacqui Collins with this special award,” Rutherford said.  “From fighting for people facing home foreclosure, to demanding expanded consumer education in the schools, to initiating a restriction on state pension fund investment in companies based in the Sudan, Collins has spent a lifetime dedicated to improving the human condition for women – and truly all people—in Illinois.

Collins’ list of accomplishments is long. She pushed for payday loan reform, an extension on the statue of limitations for civil and criminal prosecution of sex crimes against children, a law to fight the human trafficking of women, and legislation preventing public utility companies from shutting off heat to low-income families in the winter.

“I am truly honored and humbled to be recognized on this day,” said Senator Collins. “There have been many inspirational women in my life who have helped me achieve my goals. It is my sincere hope and mission that we, as women, strive to set a positive example for young women in Chicago, in Illinois, across the nation and around the world to continue to reach for greatness.”

International Women’s Day is designated to honor the contributions of women who have given of themselves for the betterment of society. Women fought for voting rights along with the right to serve in public office, equality on labor issues, training and dissolving discrimination in the work place. March 2011 is the centennial of International Women’s Day: 100 years of women impacting society and making a difference.