April 30, 2025
SIU’s Paul Simon Institute hosts State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Illinois State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe will join Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute on Monday, May 5, for a discussion with SIU students and the public.
LaPointe, D-Chicago, will discuss her background, career in politics, legislative priorities and the legislative agenda in Springfield with John Shaw, institute director. The conversation, which is part of the institute’s Pizza and Politics series, is at noon in the lobby of the institute, 1231 Lincoln Drive.
While primarily aimed for students to engage in a free-flowing discussion on topics focused on policy issues and careers in politics, public service or advocacy, the series is open to all. Registration is suggested but not required. Pizza and beverages will be served.
LaPointe represents the 19th Illinois House District on Chicago’s northwest side and is a resident of the Portage Park neighborhood.
“Representative LaPointe is one of the rising stars in Illinois politics,” Shaw said. “She is a passionate and effective advocate for making health care, including mental health care, more affordable and accessible and supporting teachers and first responders.”
LaPointe has been a long-time advocate for protecting critical human services, violence prevention programs and reforming the criminal justice system to align with evidence-based and humane practices.
She is serving her fourth term as state representative of a legislative district that includes parts of Chicago’s Big Oaks, Dunning, Forest Glen, Gladstone Park, Independence Park, Jefferson Park, Mayfair, Old Irving Park, Portage Park, Schorsch Village, Union Ridge, West Portage Park, West Walker and Harwood Heights neighborhoods.
She is chair of the Illinois House’s mental health and addiction committee and vice chair of the human services committee. She also sits on the adoption and child welfare committee, the health and human services appropriations committee, and the veterans affairs committee.
LaPointe was initially appointed to the Illinois House in July 2019 and won elections in 2020, 2022 and 2024. Before serving in the Illinois General Assembly, LaPointe worked in human services, state government, community service and policy advocacy.
She holds a master’s degree in social work from the Jane Addams School of Social Work at the University of Illinois Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Grinnell College.
Attendees are encouraged to submit questions for LaPointe on the registration form or email questions to paulsimoninstitute@siu.edu.
Lists of the institute’s upcoming events and past speakers and events are available.