Corrine Wood made Illinois history with her election to statewide office and was inaugurated January 11 as the first female lieutenant governor of Illinois, pledging to be an active lieutenant governor for the people of Illinois.Wood plays an important role in leading administration efforts on health care, childcare, downtown economic development, rural affairs, seniors, and the environment.Wood,, the second highest-ranking state official, began a career in public service 20 years ago.After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Illinois and Loyola University School of Law, Wood was named general counsel to the Illinois Commissioner of Banks and Trusts. She later joined the prestigious Chicago law firm of Hopkins and Sutter.While Wood and her husband raised their three children, she served her community as an active member of charitable, political and governmental boards and commissions.Wood’s community involvement spurred her election to the Illinois House of Representatives.During her first year in Springfield, she passed more bills signed into law than any other freshman state representative.Her hard work as a legislator caught the attention of Ryan, who tapped her to be his running mate.Wood made campaign visits to all 102 counties in Illinois, discussing the ambitious agenda of the Ryan/Wood team.Wood brings experience in public service and the private sector to the office of lieutenant governor, including success as a state representative, attorney, local leader, community activist, wife and mother.She has earned a reputation as a strong advocate for women, children and seniors. A breast cancer survivor, Wood is committed to women’s health care as a top priority.Gov. Ryan named Wood to lead the administration’s efforts to improve women’s health education and services through the “Women’s Health Illinois” initiative.The initiative better informs the public about state government programs for women and more effectively delivers state health services unique to women.Wood also leads the state’s efforts to improve economic opportunities and pursue equity for women as honorary chair of the Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women. Wood oversees the statewide Performance Review project that comprehensively reviews all state agencies, seeking to more efficiently serve the taxpayers.The project scrutinizes programs, initiatives, laws and policies, and eliminates duplication and wasteful spending. In addition, Wood leads programs promoting rural Illinois, downtown redevelopment and tourism, and protecting the environment.
Tell us about your background and education.
I attended public schools in Barrington, Ill., a far northwestern suburb of Chicago. I graduated early from Barrington High School in 1972 and went on to attend the University of Illinois in Champaign.
I was a psychology major and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. I then attended Loyola University at Chicago, where I received my JD in 1979.
I’ve been married now nearly 21years to my college sweetheart, Paul. I have three children: Ashley 14, Brandon 13, and Courtney 10.
What are the responsibilities of the lieutenant governor?
The most important responsibility is to be prepared should the disastrous circumstances arise to stand in for the governor.
It is very important for the governor and lieutenant governor to work closely together, on budget matters, advise each other on issues, and make sure they share common agenda goals.
That includes sharing goals for the Illinois River Coordinating Council, dedicated to improving the quality of the Illinois River and its watershed. The council brings into focus environmental, conservation, agricultural, and business concerns along the river.
The lieutenant governor also administers Illinois Main Street, a popular downtown revitalization program focusing on economic development, historic restoration, and a return of small town America.
Currently, we have 51 Main Street communities designated throughout Illinois.
In addition, the lieutenant governor chairs the Rural Affairs Council and the Rural Bond Bank.
These entities recognize that rural citizens have unique needs and explores how technology, health care, and education can be better delivered to rural areas.
The lieutenant governor—and this is a great benefit—has the opportunity to focus on specific public policy issues.
In the State of the State address, Gov. Ryan announced I would head up the Women’s Health Illinois initiative. We have already held one interagency cabinet meeting.
We are focused on how we can increase awareness of women’s health issues, educate the public on them, and better deliver services from the state to the women of Illinois.
This issue is important to me for both policy and personal reasons. As a breast cancer survivor, I want other women to have the same health care opportunities I had.
Gov. Ryan also asked me to lead the State Government Accountability Council. We will look at state agencies, program by program, to evaluate how we do business in Illinois.
We will review how we deliver services, whether we are duplicating services, and whether we are using taxpayers’ dollars wisely.
What motivated you to enter public office? Would you encourage other women to do enter public office? What are the positives and negatives?
The opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives is what motivated me to enter public office. I have said the decision to run for office was as easy as ABC—Ashley, Brandon and Courtney—my three children.
I want them to have the same opportunities I had growing up: a good education, an opportunity for a good paying job, safe homes and neighborhoods, and security for their families. Unfortunately, too many of those opportunities are slipping away, and I felt it was important to refocus on what really matters in people’s lives.
In terms of encouraging other women to seek public office, I recommend they get involved in local issues important to them. Whether it’s their school board, a charitable organization or whatever.
That experience will be very valuable when they enter the public arena. I would also encourage them to volunteer and get involved in the political process. Don’t wait for someone to ask you. Take the initiative.
There are many positive aspects of public office. It is extremely rewarding to be able tot improve the quality of people’s lives.
When we adopt a policy in Illinois, whether it’s on women’s health or something else, we are potentially reaching out to 12 million Illinoisans. That’s overwhelming.
Of course, as public officials, you are in the public eye, and that can be awkward at times. Also, in this day of cynicism toward public officials, your are tied to others. This motivates me to try that much harder to show that public service is an honorable profession and one people should aspire to.
How have you managed to balance family and career?
I manage this like so many other working parents. I constantly organize and schedule, and I try to put family first, because my family matters most.
My husband and I sit down on Sunday evenings and review schedules and calendars for the upcoming week. We decide who will attend the band concert or choir performance just as parents in any other family do.
It is something you must be committed to. There is a great demand on your time. When people ask what my hobbies are, I tell them I don’t have any.
I work and spend time with my family. The rest of the time I am carpooling to soccer, ballet, basketball, and gymnastics.
What were the results of the Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women?
I was very pleased Gov. Edgar established the Commission on the Status of Women, headed up very capably by Paula Wolfe.
The first commission report identified a number of issues that needed to be addressed with respect to women. Not surprisingly, most of the issues revolved around economic security and economic opportunity.
Special areas highlighted were women’s health, childcare, how we can direct women into good paying jobs, making sure there is gender equity in education, and addressing the growing problem of domestic violence.
All these issues are tied to making sure women can be economically independent.
What can you tell us about your breast cancer experience?
Two years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a difficult and challenging time for my family and me. I consider myself one of the lucky ones. Surgery and chemotherapy were successful. As a result, I am here today.
Unfortunately, many Illinois women are not as lucky. They don’t have access to adequate health care or the opportunity to receive annual mammograms.
I have pledged I will work to increase education and awareness, particularly on the importance of self-detection and mammograms. These activities clearly helped save my life.
As I head up the Women’s Health Illinois initiative, obviously breast cancer awareness will be a perfect fit. Since I took office, we have launched a campaign called “A Check for a Cure.”
We call on the citizens of Illinois to check box 26E on their income tax forms and make a donation so we can find a cure for this dreadful disease.
Do you feel insurance should pay for experimental drugs and procedures?
I sponsored and supported legislation in Springfield in favor of insurers reimbursing patients involved in clinical research trials.
Clinical research trials are not necessarily “experimental drugs and procedures.”
But they involve research that must be conducted prior to FDA approval.
For example, recently there was a large study done on the drug tamoxifen and the benefits of tamoxifen in terms of reducing the incidence of breast cancer in women who are at high risk.
They found it reduced the incidence by 50 percent, and the drug has subsequently been approved for general use. Approval would not have been possible without the research trials.
There are studies from the Mayo Institute and others indicating research trials are actually cost-neutral.
What efforts are underway to preserve the Illinois River?
We have already held two Illinois River Coordinating Council meetings and established a new Scientific Advisory Committee.
The purpose of the council is to identify in a comprehensive manner what can be done to restore the Illinois River.
The issues are broad, complex, and interested.
They include habitat restoration, stream bank stabilization, preventing sedimentation of the river, and enhancing its capacity for transportation of agricultural products.
These issues must all be studied and addressed so the Illinois River can be restored to its natural state.
This project is a national model of how we can bring together state, federal, and local interests; scientists, and community organizations to study the Illinois River and improve it in a comprehensive manner.
Clearly, communities like Peoria have a special interest in the success of the Illinois River.
That includes the Peoria Lakes area. Peoria is a wonderful example of municipal, local, state, federal government, and community organizations working together to restore the river and Peoria Lakes. It should be a model to other communities.
What is most rewarding to you as an elected official?
The ability to initiate legislation or a project and see the positive impact it has on people’s lives.
For example, in the Check for a Cure campaign, we have roughly doubled the donations to the breast and cervical cancer research fund.
I am able to address issues that are not only important to me, but also to people and families throughout Illinois. Nothing could be more rewarding.
What has been the most surprising?
The levels of bureaucracy in state government. The government needs to be more responsive to the people.
Did or do you have a mentor?
Several women are role models for me. State Representative Virginia Frederick had an outstanding reputation and the highest standards of ethics.
After 20 years of service to the state, she retired with an excellent reputation. If I could retire in 20 years or less with half the reputation she had, I would be very pleased.
There were also other elected or appointed women who inspired or supported me along the way.
I am a graduate of the Lincoln Series in Excellence Program.
This program brings together women from all over Illinois and prepares them for public service.
They receive training in public policy issues, government issues, campaigns, and hear presentations that encourage more women to step into the public arena. The things I learned and the contacts I made through the program have been invaluable.
What are your plans for the future? Any thoughts on the first female governor?
I plan to be the best lieutenant governor Illinois has had.
I believe very strongly that the office of Illinois’ lieutenant governor is what the person who holds the office makes of it.
We have had many successful lieutenant governors, including our current governor, George Ryan, and former U.S. Senator Paul Simon.
They were able to demonstrate their commitment to the public and contribute to a better quality of life in Illinois. I aim to do so as well. TPW