Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued a statement on Apr. 17 following the death of former Illinois House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, describing her as both a mentor and friend.
Raoul’s remarks highlight the significance of Currie’s contributions to public service in Illinois, reflecting on their shared experiences and her impact on state legislation. He said, “Illinois had lost an iconic public servant, and I have lost a mentor and a friend.”
Raoul recalled working closely with Currie for 14 years in their legislative district. “We were fellow Hyde Parkers and Lab School Alumni. In our district, Barbara and I knocked on doors together when it was time to circulate petitions, and she had a way of charming people at the doors – even those who were initially resistant to opening the door,” he said. He also mentioned their collaborative efforts to maximize constituent services and regular meetings with neighborhood leaders.
In Springfield, Raoul said they worked together on many legislative initiatives including the Illinois Voting Rights Act of 2011 and efforts toward abolishing the death penalty. “She taught me patience and pragmatism. She helped me appreciate the value of incremental change and not letting perfection be the enemy of the good,” he said.
The Attorney General’s office has advocated for vulnerable groups such as workers, immigrants, and seniors according to its official website. The office handles thousands of consumer complaints each year according to its official website while aiming to protect consumers, promote safer communities, and advocate for environmental issues according to its official website. Its advocacy extends across Illinois according to its official website, partnering with law enforcement agencies in support of crime victims as well as promoting open government according to its official website. The office also provides services such as complaint filing related to consumer fraud or civil rights matters according to its official website.
Raoul concluded his statement by saying that Currie’s approach should serve as an example for future legislators: “Barbara’s record of and approach to service should be used as teaching example for legislators today and into the future.”
