Bills & Legislation

CONGRATS-DR. ELIZABETH SHAPIRO

Congratulates Elizabeth "Betsy" Shapiro, D.D.S., J.D. on her outstanding career in dentistry. Commends her many contributions to the American Dental Association, the Illinois State Dental Society, and the profession at large. Wishes her continued success in her service to organized dentistry.

Tony M. McCombieRepublican

LGBTQIA+ MONTH

Declares July 2026 as LGBTQIA+ Veterans Month in the State of Illinois. Calls upon all residents to honor the service of LGBTQIA+ veterans, support their pursuit of justice, and celebrate their enduring contributions to our nation and our community.

Robyn GabelDemocrat

CONGRATS-RABBI ANDREA LONDON

Congratulates Rabbi Andrea London on the occasion of her retirement from Beth Emet The Free Synagogue.

Robyn GabelDemocrat

M.E. AWARENESS DAY

Declares May 12, 2026 as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Awareness Day in the State of Illinois. Encourages increased public education and awareness efforts regarding Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), support for individuals and families affected by the disease, and continued attention to research and health care initiatives aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for those living with ME.

Robyn GabelDemocrat

CONGRATS-YMCA U.S.

Congratulates the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the founding of the first chapter of the YMCA that was based in the United States, and commends the YMCA's role in responding to community needs, connecting people, fostering support, and building relationships and a sense of belonging.

Tony M. McCombieRepublican

COMMENDS-CHAKOTA-TRC

Commends the Chakota Therapeutic Riding Center (Chakota-TRC), a community-based human service organization in Germantown, for its important work in providing therapeutic horseback riding to children and adults with disabilities. Wishes the organization continued success in advancing therapeutic activities to improve the quality of life for individuals living with disabilities.

Charles MeierRepublican

COMMEND-KEN HENDRIKSEN

Commends Dr. Ken Hendriksen on his extraordinary career and his many contributions to the educational advancement of the youth of the State.

Sue SchererDemocrat

CONGRATS-CHICAGO SERVICE UNIT

Congratulates Union Pacific Railroad's Chicago Service Unit, General Manager Cerwin Fleming, and all team members on earning the 2025 Safety Bell Award.

Norma HernandezDemocrat

MEMORIAL-SAMUEL R. HARRIS

Mourns the passing of Samuel R. Harris, one of the youngest known survivors of the Holocaust.

Bob MorganDemocrat

ILL-ALBERTA RELATIONSHIP

Celebrates the successful partnership between the State of Illinois and the Province of Alberta.

Joyce MasonDemocrat

HEPATITIS B AWARENESS DAY

Declares July 28, 2026 as Hepatitis B Awareness Day in the State of Illinois. Urges promotion of hepatitis B vaccination as a highly effective and safe public health measure and supports removal of barriers to vaccination. Encourages development of an effective and actionable state hepatitis B strategic plan, as well as establishment of a hepatitis B working group to develop measurable goals.

Anne StavaDemocrat

CONGRATS-CANADA CAUCUS

Congratulates the Canadian Friendship Caucus on its formation to promote and strengthen economic, cultural, educational, and governmental relationships between the State of Illinois and Canada, to facilitate the exchange of information on matters of mutual interest, and to support policies and initiatives that enhance cross-border cooperation.

Joyce MasonDemocrat

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DAY

Declares April 16, 2026 as Emergency Management Day in the State of Illinois. Encourages the members and staff of the General Assembly to visit the exhibition of specialty equipment staged on 2nd Street and Capitol Avenue in Springfield from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on April 16, 2026. Further encourages them to meet with the constituent emergency response personnel entrusted with the operation of such equipment.

Rita MayfieldDemocrat

MEMORIAL-PETER J. CULVER

Mourns the passing of Peter James Culver.

Anna MoellerDemocrat

CONGRATS-PARKLAND COLLEGE

Congratulates the Parkland College men's basketball team, the Cobras, on the occasion of winning the 2025-2026 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Championship on the 40-year anniversary of the program's previous national title. Wishes the team's coaches and players continued success.

Brandun SchweizerRepublican

COMMENDS-IACCPHP

Commends the Illinois Association of Community Care Program Homecare Providers (IACCPHP) and its members for their commitment to compassionate care, their advocacy on behalf of Illinois residents, and their continued service to communities throughout the State of Illinois.

Camille Y. LillyDemocrat

CONGRATS-TEUTOPOLIS HIGH SCH

Congratulates the Teutopolis High School boys golf team, the Wooden Shoes, on winning the 2025 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 1A State Championship.

Brad HalbrookRepublican

CONGRATS-POLICE CHIEF HEFEL

Congratulates Police Chief Eric Hefel on his retirement from the Galena Police Department.

Tony M. McCombieRepublican

CONGRATS-MATT TUMBLESON

Congratulates Matt Tumbleson on his outstanding professional accomplishments, commends his leadership in the National Basketball Association, and thanks him for his continued service and contributions to his hometown, his alma mater, and the State of Illinois.

Ryan SpainRepublican

CONGRATS-JASON HERBSTER

Congratulates Jason Herbster on his retirement as executive director of the Crystal Lake Park District after more than 15 years of service. Thanks him for his dedication and commitment to the Crystal Lake community and the State of Illinois.

Suzanne M. NessDemocrat

PREVENTION WEEK

Declares May 10 through May 16, 2026 as Prevention Week.

Patrick WindhorstRepublican

MEMORIAL-DOROTHY KELLER

Mourns the passing of Dorothy Jane Cobb Keller of Jacksonville.

Gregg JohnsonDemocrat

MEMORIAL-STANDISH E. WILLIS

Mourns the passing of Standish E. "Kwame" Willis, Esq. of Chicago.

Yolonda MorrisDemocrat

LOUIS D. BURRELL DAY

Declares February 2, 2026 as "Louis D. Burrell Day" in the State of Illinois in honor of his extraordinary lifetime of contributions and the legacy he continues to build. Wishes Louis Burrell a happy 88th birthday. Encourages the members of the Illinois House of Representatives to observe Louis D. Burrell Day by celebrating the vital role of educators, builders, advocates, and elders whose service strengthens communities and inspires future generations.

Debbie Meyers-MartinDemocrat

SUPPORTS-CIVIC PARTIC AT 250

Recognizes the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence as an opportunity for reflection, inspiration, education, dialogue, and civic engagement. Encourages participation in and support of activities that examine our shared history, promote understanding of democratic principles, inspire the exchange of ideas, and strengthen civic life. Encourages and supports efforts to bolster the organizations that preserve and protect our State's archives, museums, libraries, historic sites, and community collections. Supports efforts to expand access to high-quality civics education that prepares individuals for thoughtful, constructive participation in our democracy with an understanding of the nation's founding ideals and the diverse people and communities in Illinois who have engaged, and continue to engage, in the work required to realize them.

Edgar González, Jr.Democrat

FALLEN FIRST RESPONDERS MONTH

Declares June 2026 as Fallen First Responders Month in the State of Illinois in honor of all the firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Encourages citizens to observe this designation with appropriate ceremonies, memorial services, moments of silence, educational programs, and acts of community service to honor the legacy of our fallen heroes. Expresses deep gratitude to the families of the fallen and pledges continued support to the men and women who serve and protect our communities each day.

Patrick SheehanRepublican

MEMORIAL-CINTHIA D. SMITH

Mourns the death of Cinthia Dianne "Cindy" Smith.

Sue SchererDemocrat

CONGRATS-MICHAEL EDWARDS

Congratulates Michael Edwards on his retirement as president and CEO of the Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA). Thanks him for his 13 years of dedicated service to the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois. Wishes him the very best in all his future endeavors

Kimberly Du BucletDemocrat

MEMORIAL-PATRICK C. FINN

Mourns the death of Patrick Cassidy "Pat" Finn.

Michael J. Coffey, Jr.Republican

MJR. RICHARD STAR ACT-SUPPORT

Urges the U.S. Congress to support the Major Richard Star Act to allow medically retired service members to receive full access to their much-deserved retirement and pay benefits.

Dan SwansonRepublican

TARDIVE DYSKINESIA AWARE. WEEK

Declares May 3 through May 9, 2026 as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week (TDAW) in the State of Illinois. Expresses support for TDAW in recognition of the importance of early detection and intervention to improve outcomes for people living with mental health conditions and prescribed antipsychotics. Expresses support towards efforts to raise awareness about the causes and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia (TD) and the importance of routine TD screening.

Angelica Guerrero-CuellarDemocrat

MEMORIAL-ERIC W. ZEHR

Mourns the death of Eric Wayne "Rick" Zehr.

Jehan Gordon-BoothDemocrat

MEMORIAL-V. L. ROMAN-COMMINGS

Mourns the death of Valencia L. Roman-Commings.

Camille Y. LillyDemocrat

BLACK FARMERS AND GROWERS WEEK

Declares May 3 through May 9, 2026 as Black Farmers and Growers Week in the State of Illinois. Encourages the people of Illinois and their representatives in government to learn about the history of Black farming communities and the contributions made by African Americans to agriculture in the United States. Encourages State agencies and policymakers to ensure that agricultural programs intended to support farmers are implemented in a manner that meaningfully reaches Black farmers and growers across Illinois, including emerging, limited-resource, and socially disadvantaged producers, and that outreach and program participation extend broadly throughout the State's Black farming communities.

Sonya M. HarperDemocrat

EQUAL PAY DAY

Declares March 26, 2026 as Equal Pay Day in the State of Illinois. Encourages the citizens of this State to learn about the pay gap that women experience in society and to learn about these various dates that bring attention to the pay gap that specific groups experience.

Mary Beth CantyDemocrat

CONGRATS-LEONA WALKER DAVIS

Congratulates Leona Walker Davis on celebrating her 100th birthday.

Robyn GabelDemocrat

MEMORIAL-JOHN A. SMITH JR.

Mourns the passing of John Alden Smith Jr.

Curtis J. Tarver, IIDemocrat

MEMORIAL-DR. B. LAFAYETTE JR.

Mourns the passing of civil rights leader Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr.

Carol AmmonsDemocrat

CONGRATS-BILL RIORDAN

Congratulates Bill Riordan on his retirement as executive director of the Lockport Township Park District.

Patrick SheehanRepublican

HONORS-ROLAND W. BURRIS

Honors Roland W. Burris for his extraordinary life, legacy, and contributions to public service. Expresses appreciation for his decades of leadership, his groundbreaking achievements, and his enduring commitment to justice and equality.

Kam BucknerDemocrat

CONGRATS-NAVY PIER

Congratulates Navy Pier on being named the unofficial eastern terminus of U.S. Route 66 on March 25, 2026.

Kam BucknerDemocrat

MEMORIAL-JERRY R. BUFORD

Mourns the passing of Jerry R. Buford of Chicago.

Camille Y. LillyDemocrat

COMMENDS-X. SIGUENZA CABRERA

Commends Ximena Siguenza Cabrera, Director of Community Engagement & Impact at Rincon Family Services, for her integrity, leadership, and statewide impact. Thanks her for her continued contributions to the health, dignity, and well-being of the people of Illinois.

Norma HernandezDemocrat

CONGRATS-ARISE CHICAGO

Congratulates Arise Chicago on its 35th anniversary and commends the organization for decades of service and leadership on behalf of Chicago's workers.

Lilian JiménezDemocrat

CONGRATS-CENT. COMMUNITY HS

Congratulates the Central Community High School (Breese) girls basketball team, the Cougars, on winning the 2026 Illinois High School Association Class 2A State Championship.

Charles MeierRepublican

CONGRATS-SHRINERS CHILDREN'S

Congratulates Shriners Hospitals for Children – Chicago, more commonly known as Shriners Children's Chicago, on celebrating its 100th anniversary. Commends Shriners Children's Chicago for its meaningful role in the history of healthcare in Illinois and its continued commitment to the health and well-being of the children of Illinois.

Camille Y. LillyDemocrat

URGES-SENATE DEMS-FUND DHS

Urges Congressional Senate Democrats to support the funding measures proposed by Congressional House Republicans in H.R. 7147.

Christopher "C.D." DavidsmeyerRepublican