Sara Jacobs is a representative from California's 51st congressional district, first elected to Congress in a special election in 2018. A member of the Democratic Party, she has been active in several key committees and has sponsored or co-sponsored an array of bills during her tenure.
Born on August 30, 1959, in Syracuse, New York, Jacobs pursued her education at Colgate University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in 1980, before obtaining her Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania in 1984. Before her political career, she practiced law, served as a judicial law clerk in Pennsylvania's superior court, and worked with the Education Law Center of Pennsylvania. Additionally, she was a member of the Wallingford-Swarthmore School Board from 2007 to 2015, serving as president from 2009 to 2011.
In her role as a congresswoman, Jacobs is recognized for her commitment to various social issues, particularly those affecting women, children, and marginalized communities. She has served on multiple committees, including the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Education and Labor. Her legislative efforts have often focused on education, healthcare, and civil rights.
Jacobs has co-sponsored several notable bills that reflect her political leanings and priorities. For example, she either sponsored or co-sponsored the End Dark Money Act (HB 142), which aims to repeal restrictions preventing the IRS from regulating political activities of certain nonprofit organizations. This legislation addresses the growing concerns over transparency in campaign finance, suggesting Jacobs' advocacy for reducing undisclosed political influence.
Furthermore, she has co-sponsored the Access to Counsel Act (HB 944), which enhances the rights of individuals detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to consult legal counsel. This bill underscores her commitment to civil liberties and support for immigrant rights, reflecting a progressive stance on immigration policy.
Another significant piece of proposed legislation is the Social Security Expansion Act (HB 1700), which seeks to expand social security benefits. This prioritization of social welfare programs aligns with her focus on supporting vulnerable populations, including the elderly and disabled.
Jacobs has also expressed a commitment to education through measures like the Better Care Better Jobs Act (HB 547), which seeks to improve the quality of care and support jobs in the caregiving sectors, emphasizing the necessity of equity and better working conditions for educators and caregivers.
The bills she has backed indicate her alignment with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, advocating for transparency in political funding, immigrant rights, social security benefits, and civil rights. Her legislative initiatives often highlight a commitment to equality, safety, and justice for all constituents, catering particularly to underserved and marginalized communities.
While information regarding Jacobs' personal life and family background is limited within the public domain, her professional journey and commitment to public service reflect a profile of a dedicated representative focused on impactful issues that resonate deeply with her constituency. She continues to actively engage in initiatives that seek to foster an inclusive and equitable society through her legislative work.