Introduction
Mary E. Flowers (born July 31, 1951) is a Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 31st district since 1985.
Early life and education
Flowers was born on July 31, 1951, in Inverness, Mississippi. Her family moved to Chicago when she was a child. She attended local schools in Chicago, going on for higher studies at Kennedy King Community College; and graduating from the University of Illinois-Chicago Circle.
Personal life
Flowers is married to Daniel Coutee and they have one daughter, Makeda.
Political career
Flowers became active in the Democratic Party. She was elected to the state legislature from the 31st district in 1985.
Tenure
She has served on the following committees: Health Care Availability Access (Chairperson); Higher Education; Human Services; Accountability & Administrative Rev; Health & Healthcare Disparities; Museums, Arts, & Cultural Enhancement; Restorative Justice. She received 1993 "Legislator of the Year" award from Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association.
In 2014 she shepherded through the state legislature a bill to make it easier for pregnant women to keep their jobs through reasonable accommodation.