Bills & Legislation

COMMENDS-IL YOUTHBUILD

Commends the Illinois YouthBuild Coalition (IYC) for its dedication to assisting the youth of Illinois. Thanks IYC President Tameka Wilson, various staff members, and the coalition's 18 state-wide directors for their continued efforts and hard work.

Rita MayfieldDemocrat

MEMORIAL-WILLIAM F. MURPHY

Mourns the death of William F. "Bill" Murphy Jr., the former Mayor of the Village of Woodridge.

Dagmara AvelarDemocrat

RECOGNIZES-DAVID JOHNSON

Recognizes David "Dave" Johnson for his dedication and service to the Schaumburg Park District for the past 50 years. Thanks him for serving as an inspiration to the park and recreation field through his work as a commissioner on the Schaumburg Park District Board and as a member of the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD).

Michelle MussmanDemocrat

CONGRATS-SUSIE KURUVILLA

Congratulates Susie Kuruvilla on her retirement as executive director of the Gurnee Park District after 27 years of service. Thanks her for her dedicated service to the Gurnee community.

Joyce MasonDemocrat

CONGRATS-TAYLOR VANDEVOORDE

Congratulates Taylor VanDeVoorde on being named Outstanding Senior in the Division of Animal Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri. Wishes her continued success.

Ryan SpainRepublican

COMMEND-HERB ROACH

Commends Mayor Herb Roach on his years of service to the City of O'Fallon.

Jay HoffmanDemocrat

MELANOMA AWARENESS & EDUCATION

Encourages all residents to follow the prevention guidance provided by the Melanoma Research Foundation. Urges Illinois healthcare providers to promote early skin checks and educate patients on both UV safety and genetic risk factors for melanoma. Supports increased funding for melanoma education, outreach, and screening programs throughout the State.

La Shawn K. FordDemocrat

CONGRATS-JOHN P. COLLINS

Congratulates John Patrick Collins on the occasion of his 90th birthday on May 7, 2025. Wishes him many more happy years.

Martin J. MoylanDemocrat

MEMORIAL-MALIK T. MURRAY

Mourns the passing of Malik T. Murray of Chicago.

Curtis J. Tarver, IIDemocrat

CONGRATS-TOM CAULEY

Congratulates Tom Cauley on his retirement as Village President of Hinsdale.

Martha DeuterDemocrat

NEONATAL NURSES WEEK

Declares September 13-19, 2025 as Neonatal Nurses Week.

Laura Faver DiasDemocrat

COMMEND-SOUTH MAIN MERCADO

Commends the organizers, volunteers, vendors, and participants of the South Main Mercado for their dedication, vision, and contributions to the City of Rockford and the State of Illinois.

Maurice A. West, IIDemocrat

QUINCEANERA DAY

Declares May 8, 2025 as Quinceañera Day in the State of Illinois.

Norma HernandezDemocrat

MEMORIAL-CHARLES D. ACASILI

Mourns the death of Charles Daniel "Chuck" Acasili.

Jennifer Gong-GershowitzDemocrat

CONGRATS-ROBERT JONES, PH.D.

Congratulates Robert Jones, Ph.D. on concluding his tenure as chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and as vice president of the University of Illinois System after nine years of successful leadership.

Kam BucknerDemocrat

CONGRATS-OKAW, INC.

Congratulates Original Kaskaskia Area Wilderness (OKAW), Inc. on the occasion of its 30th anniversary. Acknowledges its members' efforts in the natural resource conservation of the Kaskaskia River watershed.

Charles MeierRepublican

CALEB'S LEGACY DAY

Mourns the passing of Caleb Thomas Elliott. Declares August 11, 2025 as Caleb's Legacy: Electrical Awareness for a Safer Tomorrow Day. Urges local units of government to require electricians and electrician trainees in the State of Illinois to be properly trained on and equipped with a certified multimeter tool sold by a licensed retailer that regularly sells such devices and to require use of the same. Urges a donation program be created to promote awareness for this cause.

Charles MeierRepublican

PARKINSON'S AWARENESS MONTH

Declares April of 2025 as Parkinson's Awareness Month.

Mary GillDemocrat

MEMORIAL-CHARLES A. HARTKE

Mourns the passing of former State Representative and Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture Charles A. "Chuck" Hartke.

Emanuel "Chris" WelchDemocrat

CONGRATS-JOSEPH E. CREED

Congratulate Joseph E. "Joe" Creed on being named CEO of Caterpillar, Inc. after 28 years of service.

Ryan SpainRepublican

ALPHA PHI ALPHA DAY

Declares April 30, 2025 as Alpha Phi Alpha Day in the State of Illinois. Commends Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated for 119 years of outstanding service, leadership, and advocacy. Welcomes the members of the fraternity to the State Capitol for this annual celebration of excellence.

Maurice A. West, IIDemocrat

COMMEMORATE-CAMBODIAN GENOCIDE

Commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Cambodian Genocide, honors the memory of the victims, and recognizes the strength, resilience, and enduring contributions of the Cambodian American community in Illinois and beyond. Celebrates the work of artists, educators, and cultural leaders, including Anida Yoeu Ali, Master Yary Livan, Narath Tan, Monirith Chhea, and Charya Burt, who continue to shape a living legacy of remembrance, cultural identity, and healing. Honors the advocacy of Laura Ouk, the community leadership of Kompha Seth, and the historic public service of Khemarey Khoeun whose contributions exemplify the Cambodian American community's commitment to justice, healing, and equity.

Jennifer Gong-GershowitzDemocrat

MEMORIAL-SGT. JOSE DUENEZ JR.

Mourns the death of Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr. of Joliet.

Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr.Democrat

SECOND CHANCE MONTH

Declares April 2025 as Second Chance Month. Encourages leaders in both the public and private sectors to adopt policies that remove unnecessary barriers to employment and reintegration for individuals with criminal records.

Jehan Gordon-BoothDemocrat

CHILD VACCINATIONS-SUPPORT

Urges the implementation of interventions to support vaccine uptake and reduce disparities in vaccine coverage among children. Urges the Illinois Department of Health, the Illinois State Board of Education, and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to work with pediatricians, clinicians, families, and other stakeholders to ensure infants and children are vaccinated on time and students begin school fully vaccinated. Urges the Illinois Department of Health, the Illinois State Board of Education, and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to continue to invest in immunization initiatives and infrastructure to ensure timely reporting of vaccine coverage to ensure children are protected from vaccine-preventable illness in public and private schools, child care facilities, and pre-kindergarten programs and beyond.

Kelly M. CassidyDemocrat

CONDEMNS-GOV. JB PRITZKER

Condemns in the strongest possible terms Governor JB Pritzker's recent inflammatory and divisive rhetoric that appears to advocate for unlawful action against the duly elected President and members of the federal government. Urges the Governor to retract and clarify his remarks and to reaffirm his commitment to civil discourse, the peaceful transfer of power, and adherence to the Constitution of the United States.

Brad HalbrookRepublican

CONGRATS-HENRY NESBIT SR.

Congratulates Henry "Maurice" Nesbit Sr. on the occasion of Celebration Park of the Robbins Park District being renamed Henry "Maurice" Nesbit Sr. Memorial Park in his honor.

Robert "Bob" RitaDemocrat

JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

Declares May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month in the State of Illinois.

Bob MorganDemocrat

MEMORIAL-WADEE ALFAYOUMI

Mourns the passing of Wadee Alfayoumi. Honors his memory and celebrates his remarkable life. Reaffirms commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate society where every individual can live free from fear, discrimination, and violence. Expresses standing in solidarity with his family and friends in their grief and mourning.

Nabeela SyedDemocrat

CONGRATS-FIREFIGHTER AWARDEES

Congratulates Fire Captain Justin Moffitt and Firefighters Tyler Brackett and Nick Morrissey on being selected for the Firefighter Excellence Award for their brave and calculated actions that saved a life.

Dan SwansonRepublican

RECOGNIZES-GIRL SCOUTS

Recognizes the members and leaders of the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) in the State of Illinois. Encourages the citizens of Illinois to join in appreciation and celebration of the GSUSA for the organization's work on behalf of girls across the State and the country.

Suzanne M. NessDemocrat

RECOGNIZES-ANNE FLANIGAN BASSI

Recognizes Anne Flanigan Bassi for her decades of tireless and compassionate service to her community. Extends heartfelt appreciation and best wishes on her retirement from public life.

Bob MorganDemocrat

COMMEND-PFC HILL HIGHWAY

Commends the designation of the PFC Wayne W. Hill Jr. Memorial Highway as part of the Heroes Way Designation Program through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Stephanie A. KifowitDemocrat

COMMEND-SSG HERREID HWY

Commends the designation of the SSG Robert D. Herreid Memorial Highway as part of the Heroes Way Designation Program through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Stephanie A. KifowitDemocrat

CONGRATS-FLAGS OF FREEDOM

Congratulates the City of Princeton and the Flags of Freedom Committee on the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Flags of Freedom display.

Ryan SpainRepublican

CONGRATS-ROBERT FRIEND

Congratulates Robert "Bob" Friend on the occasion of his retirement from the Glenbard Township High School District 87 Board of Education. Thanks him for his dedication to the board, staff, and community.

Terra Costa HowardDemocrat

CONGRATS-KENWOOOD ACADEMY

Congratulates the Kenwood Academy girls basketball team on its historic victory in the 2024-2025 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 4A State Championship.

Curtis J. Tarver, IIDemocrat

CONGRATS-SIUE COUGARS

Congratulates the SIUE Cougars men's basketball team on its outstanding victory in the Ohio Valley Conference tournament and its qualification for the 2025 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament. Commends the players, coaches, and support staff for their dedication, hard work, and sportsmanship. Extends best wishes to the SIUE Cougars for a successful and memorable appearance in the NCAA tournament.

Katie StuartDemocrat

CONGRATS-SGAC

Congratulates the State Government Affairs Council (SGAC) on achieving 50 years of dedicated service while making significant contributions to enhancing the relationship between state and local governments, businesses, and communities. Encourages continued support for SGAC's mission. Commends its members for their tireless work to advocate for sound policy decisions, transparency, and good governance. Acknowledges SGAC and its members for their enduring influence on state government affairs.

Marcus C. Evans, Jr.Democrat

CONGRATS-UCM

Congratulates United Congregations of Metro-East for 25 years of dedicated service, advocacy, and leadership in the pursuit of justice, equity, and community empowerment.

Jay HoffmanDemocrat

CONGRATS-TIM SMITH

Congratulates Tim Smith on receiving the 2025 Annual Historical Preservation Award from the Illiana Genealogical & Historical Society Foundation.

Brandun SchweizerRepublican

CONGRATS-BERNICE TIMMERMANN

Congratulates Bernice (Schmahl) Timmermann on her 100th birthday. Recognizes the service of Al and Bernice Timmermann to the Village of Rosemont.

Brad StephensRepublican

MEMORIAL-DR. OPEAR R. MYLES

Mourns the passing of Dr. Opear Ree (Cooley) Myles.

La Shawn K. FordDemocrat

CONGRATS-BOURBONNAIS

Congratulates the Village of Bourbonnais on the occasion of its 150th anniversary.

Jackie HaasRepublican

BENIN BRONZES-REPATRIATION

Acknowledges and condemns the historical injustice associated with the original creation of the Benin Bronzes, the subsequent British acquisition and distribution of the relics, and the current possession of the Benin Bronzes by museums and collectors who are unwilling to share the relics with the heirs of the enslaved people who paid for them with their lives and the heirs of the Benin Kingdom slave traders. Urges the following steps be taken in regard to the Benin Bronzes: (1) an official request for the return and sharing of the Benin Bronzes, (2) the establishment of the Repatriation Committee, (3) the formation of an inventory and comprehensive documentation, (4) the development of a decision-making process, (5) the development of a sharing framework, (6) the collection of resale royalties, (7) the allocation of adequate resources from museum exhibit, loan, and resale royalty fees, (8) the initiation of programs and initiatives to bring heirs of the enslaved and the Benin Kingdom together for healing and reconciliation, and (9) the cooperation of heirs. Urges all nations, stakeholder museums, and collectors to support and adhere to this resolution, recognizing the importance of equitable sharing, redress, and healing in the context of the Benin Bronzes.

Carol AmmonsDemocrat

COMMENDS-CADEN HARTMAN

Commends Caden Hartman for his outstanding service as a U.S. Senate page and the invaluable contributions he has made to the State of Illinois and to the future of the country's public service. Wishes him the best in his future endeavors.

Katie StuartDemocrat

NAKBA/PALESTINIAN REFUGEES

Recognizes the "Nakba" or the uprooting, dispossession, and refugeedom of Palestinian refugees. Expresses rejection of efforts to enlist, engage, or otherwise associate the United States Government with denial of the Nakba. Encourages education and public understanding of the facts of the Nakba, including the United States' role in the humanitarian relief effort and the relevance of the Nakba to modern-day refugee crises. Expresses support for the provision of social service to Palestinian refugees through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Expresses support for the implementation of Palestinian refugees' rights as enshrined in United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194 and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Abdelnasser RashidDemocrat

CONGRATS-LEANN CHILTON

Congratulates Leann Chilton of St. Louis, Missouri, formerly of Chicago, on her retirement from BJC HealthCare.

Jay HoffmanDemocrat

CONGRATS-HON. JAMES E. SHADID

Congratulates the Honorable James E. Shadid on being chosen as president of Bradley University.

Travis WeaverRepublican

NURSES WEEK & CNA WEEK

Declares May 6 through May 12, 2025 as Nurses Week and June 12 through June 18, 2025 as CNA Week in the State of Illinois in recognition of the contributions of nurses and Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) throughout the State. Recognizes the need to invest in the nursing and CNA workforce through policies that address staffing shortages, provide mental health support, and improve working conditions for healthcare workers. Encourages all residents, businesses, and healthcare organizations to show appreciation for nurses and CNAs and support efforts to enhance the nursing profession and CNA workforce, including workforce development, education, and workplace well-being. Encourages the residents of Illinois to celebrate the accomplishments and efforts of registered nurses and CNAs to improve the healthcare system.

Yolonda MorrisDemocrat