Bills & Legislation

COMMEND-IL BLIND VENDORS

Commends the Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors for its decades of service, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and commitment to expanding opportunities for blind and visually impaired individuals throughout the State of Illinois. Thanks the Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors and all participating blind vendors for their contributions to Illinois communities, workforce development, and economic opportunity.

Stephanie A. KifowitDemocrat

CONGRATS-CHICAGO DEFENDER

Congratulates the Chicago Defender on the occasion of its 121st anniversary and for its irreplaceable role in shaping American culture, news, and civil rights. Extends best wishes to the paper's publishers, staff, and readers for continued success and vital storytelling in the future.

Kimberly Du BucletDemocrat

CONGRATS-DE LA SALLE INSTITUTE

Congratulates the De La Salle Institute boys soccer team, the Meteors, on winning the 2025 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 2A State Championship. Commends the players, coaches, families, and school community for their collective efforts in achieving this historic moment.

Kimberly Du BucletDemocrat

SUPPORT-HIGH SPEED RAIL ACT

Expresses strong support for the American High Speed Rail Act of 2026 and commends Illinois congressional delegation members for their leadership as original cosponsors of this landmark legislation. Urges the United States Congress to advance and pass the American High Speed Rail Act of 2026 and to ensure that any federal surface transportation reauthorization package includes substantial, dedicated funding for high-speed and higher-speed rail development nationwide. Calls upon the Trump administration to include robust funding for high-speed rail in its federal budget proposals. Affirms support for the ongoing work of the Illinois High Speed Rail Commission and the Illinois Department of Transportation in developing a statewide high-speed rail plan. Recognizes this state-level planning effort represents the kind of serious groundwork that merits strong federal investment.

Rita MayfieldDemocrat

MEMORIAL-JULIUS C. THOMAS III

Mourns the death of Julius Collins Thomas III.

La Shawn K. FordDemocrat

COMMENDS-JOHN HOWARD ASSOC.

Commends and congratulates the John Howard Association (JHA) on 125 years of service. Expresses gratitude for the association's steadfast work on behalf of incarcerated individuals, their families and support networks, and communities throughout Illinois.

Justin SlaughterDemocrat

CONGRATS-VERMILION COUNTY

Congratulates Vermilion County on its Bicentennial anniversary and celebration during the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Commends all of the contributions by its leaders and families who have impacted the health of their community.

Brandun SchweizerRepublican

CONGRATS-WINNEBAGO COUNTY

Congratulates the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District on the 50th anniversary of Colored Sands Bluff Nature Preserve. Commends its ongoing commitment to conservation, education, and stewardship.

John M. CabelloRepublican

CONGRATS-LOMBARD GARDEN CLUB

Congratulates the Lombard Garden Club on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, reflecting a century of its members' shared dedication, efforts, and community care.

Margaret A. DeLaRosaDemocrat

CONGRATS-STEVE STUART, ED.D.

Congratulates Steve Stuart, Ed.D. on the conclusion of his outstanding career in education. Commends him for his years of exemplary service and leadership to Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7, the EGHM Foundation, and the Edwardsville community.

Jay HoffmanDemocrat

CONGRATS-ROCKFORD/FERENTINO

Congratulates the citizens of Rockford and Ferentino, Italy on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of their sister city partnership in recognition of the thousands of Ferentino-descended individuals who have made and continue to make Rockford a richer, stronger, and more vibrant community. Commends the Saint Ambrogio Society, Rockford's other Italian social clubs, and all of the many organizations, businesses, and countless individuals and elected officials, here and abroad, that have worked to sustain the steadfast bonds between Rockford and Ferentino for over a century.

Dave VellaDemocrat

CONGRATS-LAKE CO VETS ASSIST

Congratulates the Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County (VACLC) on the momentous occasion of its 100th anniversary. Commends its staff, board, and delegates for a century of unwavering advocacy. Extends deep gratitude for its tireless service to the veteran community of Lake County.

Joyce MasonDemocrat

OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE TOURISM

Recognizes the current impact and potential for future growth of the off-highway vehicle tourism industry in State of Illinois. Encourages all stakeholders and state agencies to continue fostering the growth of the off-highway vehicle tourism industry by working together to develop new opportunities for the enjoyment of off-highway vehicles in Illinois.

Marcus C. Evans, Jr.Democrat

COMMEND-DR. RONALD PERLMAN

Commends Dr. Ronald "Ron" Perlman for his extraordinary lifetime of leadership, advocacy, mentorship, educational service, and enduring contributions to the people and communities of the State of Illinois and thanks him for his lasting impact on generations of educators, administrators, students, families, and community leaders.

Elizabeth "Lisa" HernandezDemocrat

CONGRATS-ST. MARY SCHOOL

Congratulates the St. Mary School 6th Grade Girls Volleyball Team on winning the 2026 Classic League Season Championship and commends the entire St. Mary's volleyball program on an outstanding and historic season.

Elizabeth "Lisa" HernandezDemocrat

CONGRATS-DAVE HELLMICH, PH.D.

Congratulates Dave Hellmich, Ph.D. on his retirement from Sauk Valley Community College. Commends him for his extraordinary career and many contributions to higher education. Wishes him continued health, happiness, and success in the years ahead.

Bradley FrittsRepublican

COMMENDS-CENTRO SAN BONIFACIO

Commends Centro San Bonifacio on 35 years of extraordinary service to the immigrant community of Chicago. Honors the passion of Centro San Bonifacio's leadership, staff, and volunteers.

Jaime M. Andrade, Jr.Democrat

CONGRATS-WOODRUFF GOLF COURSE

Congratulates Woodruff Golf Course on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. Commends the Joliet Park District and all those who have stewarded this public asset across a full century of service for the residents of the City of Joliet, Will County, and the State of Illinois. Wishes for Woodruff Golf Course to continue welcoming all who seek a round of golf and the open spaces of Pilcher Park for the next century. Thanks the golf course for representing the enduring value of civic generosity and public investment in the recreational life of a community.

Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr.Democrat

CONGRATS-MANUAL HS BOYS BBALL

Congratulates Peoria's Manual High School boys basketball team, the Rams, on winning the 2025-2026 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 2A State Championship.

Jehan Gordon-BoothDemocrat

CONGRATS-DR. DESMOULIN-KHERAT

Congratulates Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat on her retirement as superintendent of Peoria Public Schools District 150, honors her remarkable career in public education, and extends deepest gratitude for her decades of service to the children of Illinois.

Jehan Gordon-BoothDemocrat

IL MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH

Declares May 2026 as Illinois Military Appreciation Month in the State of Illinois to honor the service, sacrifice, and continued contributions of veterans across our State. Encourages citizens, schools, businesses, veterans' organizations, and government entities across Illinois to observe Illinois Military Appreciation Month through activities that recognize veterans' ongoing impact, support their successful transition to civilian life, and strengthen connections between veterans and the communities they serve.

Brandun SchweizerRepublican

IL FALLEN HEROES MONTH

Declares June 2026 as Illinois Fallen Heroes Month in the State of Illinois to honor the service and sacrifice of fallen heroes across our State. Encourages citizens, schools, businesses, veterans' organizations, and government entities across the State to observe Illinois Fallen Heroes Month through ceremonies, tributes, and acts of remembrance that honor the legacy and sacrifice of those who gave their lives for our nation. Affirms that these observances serve as a solemn counterpart to Illinois Military Appreciation Month, ensuring that we both honor those who continue to serve our communities and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Brandun SchweizerRepublican

CONGRATS-ROGER STIEG

Congratulates Roger Stieg on being recognized at the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame Annual Awards in 2026 and thanks him for his dedication to athletics.

Charles MeierRepublican

CONGRATS-SANDRA ECKHARDT

Congratulates Sandra Eckhardt on being recognized as 2026 Illinois Direct Support Professional of the Year by the American Network of Community Options and Resources. Extends sincere appreciation for her outstanding service, her compassion, her innovation, and her dedication to improving the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the State of Illinois.

Lisa DavisDemocrat

CONGRATS-FIGHTING ILLINI

Congratulates the Illinois Fighting Illini Men's Basketball Team on a remarkable season, their 28-9 overall record, and their advancement to the Final Four, and commends their dedication, achievement, and representation of the State of Illinois at the highest level.

Kam BucknerDemocrat

US VETS-HONDURAS

Urges the United States Congress to award the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal to the U.S. veterans who were in Honduras from 1981 to 1992 for their service and sacrifices.

Dan SwansonRepublican

CONGRATS-IRISH CARDIAC SOCIETY

Congratulates the Irish Cardiac Society on the occasion of its visit to the City of Springfield, the capital of the State of Illinois, on May 8, 2026. Commends the Illinois Chapter of the American College of Cardiology and chapter leader Governor Benjamin Freed, M.D. for their outstanding leadership in fostering this historic twinning. Extends the warmest wishes for a successful and memorable symposium.

La Shawn K. FordDemocrat

COMMENDS-BREAKFAST W/ BABY

Commends Our Savior Lutheran Church's Breakfast with Baby ministry for its outstanding service to families in DuPage and Kane counties.

Jennifer SanalitroRepublican

CONGRATS-CHRIST LUTHERAN SCH

Congratulates the Christ Lutheran School (Peoria) boys basketball team, the Comets, on a remarkable 2025-26 season.

Jehan Gordon-BoothDemocrat

CONGRATS-UOFI WHEELCHAIR TEAMS

Congratulates the University of Illinois women's and men's wheelchair basketball teams on their performance at the 2026 National Wheelchair Basketball Association Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball National Championships. Commends the student-athletes, coaches, staff, and the University of Illinois Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services in the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's College of Applied Health Sciences for their continued leadership and historic contributions to the sport of wheelchair basketball.

Carol AmmonsDemocrat

MEMORIAL-SHERWIN A. SWARTZ

Mourns the death of Sherwin A. Swartz.

Michael J. Coffey, Jr.Republican

MEMORIAL-REP. ROSEMARY KURTZ

Mourns the death of former Illinois State Representatives Rosemary Magner Kurtz.

Steven ReickRepublican

RECOGNIZES-RAPID RESPONDERS

Recognizes the rapid responders of Illinois for their dedication, courage, and unwavering commitment to protecting and uplifting communities. Acknowledges the vital role rapid responders play in supporting immigrant families, promoting safety and awareness, and strengthening unity across all communities.

Norma HernandezDemocrat

MEMORIAL-REP. ROSEMARY KURTZ

Mourns the death of former Illinois State Representative Rosemary Magner Kurtz of Crystal Lake.

Suzanne M. NessDemocrat

MEMORIAL-CHRISTOPHER CARLSON

Mourns the passing of Christopher E. Carlson of New Lenox.

Patrick SheehanRepublican

CONGRATS-DET. MICHAEL GRIFFIN

Congratulates Detective Michael Griffin on being named the 2026 Criminal Investigator of the Year by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP). Commends him for his tenacity and brilliance in the Trudy Appleby investigation. Extends the deepest gratitude for his service to the Moline Police Department and the people of the State of Illinois.

Gregg JohnsonDemocrat

CONGRATS-IL STATE ARCHIVES

Congratulates the Illinois State Archives and its Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD) system on providing 50 years of outstanding service.

Michael J. Coffey, Jr.Republican

FTD AWARENESS WEEK

Declares September 28 through October 4, 2026 as FTD Awareness Week in the State of Illinois to bring attention to Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) disease.

Adam M. NiemergRepublican

CONGRATS-CHARLOTTE WARREN

Congratulates Dr. Charlotte Warren on her retirement from Lincoln Land Community College.

Wayne A. RosenthalRepublican

CONGRATS-MOLLY MCCALLA

Congratulates Molly McCalla on her National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Agricultural Proficiency Award for Sheep Production and her continued success at the state level.

Wayne A. RosenthalRepublican

MEMORIAL-MARILYN SATTERWHITE

Mourns the passing of Marilyn Lea Satterwhite of Danville.

Brandun SchweizerRepublican

CONGRATS-IDNR/CARLSON PRESERVE

Congratulates the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on the 50th anniversary of the dedication of Margery C. Carlson Nature Preserve. Commends its ongoing commitment to conservation, education, and stewardship.

Amy BrielDemocrat

BENIN BRONZES

Recognizes the extraordinary artistic, cultural, and historical significance of the Benin Bronzes, including their craftsmanship, symbolism, and enduring global importance. Further recognizes the historical injustice associated with the original creation of the Benin Bronzes and the subsequent British acquisition and distribution of the relics. Acknowledges the interconnected histories of the Benin Bronzes, the transatlantic slave trade, and colonial violence and affirms the importance of presenting these histories accurately, responsibly, and with cultural sensitivity. Encourages museums and cultural institutions to continue engaging with source communities, scholars, and the public to promote ethical stewardship, shared understanding, and educational access to this heritage. Supports efforts to use the Benin Bronzes as instruments for learning, dialogue, and cultural healing, fostering greater awareness of Africa's rich artistic traditions and the historical forces that shaped their global journey. Commits to using the platform of the Illinois General Assembly to promote public education, historical literacy, and constructive international cultural engagement grounded in respect, collaboration, and truth.

Kimberly Du BucletDemocrat

CONGRATS-IDNR/KANKAKEE RIVER

Congratulates the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on the 60th anniversary of the dedication of Kankakee River Nature Preserve and commends its ongoing commitment to conservation, education, and stewardship.

Jackie HaasRepublican

CONGRATS-PHIL ARNOLD

Congratulates Chief Phil Arnold on being named the 2026 ILACP Police Chief of the Year, thanks him for his many years of dedicated service to the State of Illinois, and wishes him continued success in all his future endeavors.

Natalie A. ManleyDemocrat

CONGRATS-BETTY LINDQUIST

Congratulates Betty Lindquist on her retirement from the field of special education after decades of dedicated service. Wishes her all the best in her future endeavors.

Michelle MussmanDemocrat

MEMORIAL-BOAZ I. FLEMISTER

Mourns the passing of Boaz Isaiah "Bo" Flemister.

Marcus C. Evans, Jr.Democrat