 In 2004 she received the Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization (IVI-IPO) Ethel Parker award that is bestowed upon the legislator with the best voting record.In addition, Ronen was the lead senate sponsor of the Illinois Human Rights act, landmark legislation protecting Illinoisans from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.Passage of the bill culminated 12 years of work and fulfilled a personal commitment she made when she first ran for office - to extend equal protection to Illinois gay, lesbian and trans-gendered citizens.