He earlier served for six terms in the Illinois House of Representatives, first elected to that position in 1990.

He also sponsored the Managed Care Patients Rights Act, legislation which would provide consumers with greater information about their health maintenance organizations and better access to quality health care.

He supported the Illinois Safe Choice Zones Act, which would establish a state criminal offense with possible civil penalties for anyone who interferes with an individual entering or leaving abortion clinics, hospitals and other medical facilities.

Schoenberg worked for stronger accountability and oversight standards at the Illinois Highway Authority.

Schoenberg's wife, Lynne Sered, is chair of the Illinois Education Labor Relations Board.