CHICAGO — On Dec. 8, 2021, Illinois state Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) will be honored with the Hannah G. Solomon award by the Chicago chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women. This award recognizes achievement in changing and expanding the role of women in vital areas of community life and leadership in motivating others to fight for change.
"Receiving the Hannah G. Solomon Award from NCJW Chicago is an enormous honor. Knowing that the work I have done in the legislature confirms and validates the alignment of our mutual values," Feigenholtz said.
Named for Hannah G. Solomon, the founder of the National Council of Jewish Women, the award recognizes Senator Feigenholtz's longtime advocacy for the rights of women and children.
Her proudest accomplishment was the passage of HB40, which struck language prohibiting payment for Medicaid-funded abortions. Additionally, Feigenholtz's legacy legislation provided adult adoptees with their original birth certificates.
"Senator Feigenholtz has been a consistent leader for access to healthcare, passing the Affordable Care Act in Illinois. She is a passionate voice for reproductive rights, aligning with NCJW's longtime philosophy and mission to support a woman's autonomy as concerns her own body," said Melissa Prober, Executive Director of NCJW Chicago North Shore.
"Senator Feigenholtz embodies our section's advocacy and community services values. For over twenty-five years, she has given us her ear in her fight for a better Illinois. She has never disappointed us. The impact of her long service career speaks for itself. With gratitude and love, we will award our highest honor to Senator Sara Feigenholtz," said Jan Schwartz, Co-Social Policy Advocate of NCJW Illinois.
Senator Feigenholtz will be awarded the Hannah G. Solomon Award at a virtual event on Wed., Dec. 8, at 7 p.m.