Bills & Legislation

CONGRATS-EAST ST. LOUIS H.S.

Congratulates the East St. Louis Senior High School boys basketball team, the Flyers, on winning the 2026 Illinois High School Association Class 3A State Championship.

Jay Hoffman

CONGRATS-CYNDI OBERLE-DAHM

Congratulates Cyndi Oberle-Dahm on her retirement from Belleville Township District 201. Thanks her for her commitment to the community and to the State of Illinois.

Jay Hoffman

CONGRATS-ETHAN CEPURAN

Congratulates Ethan Cepuran on his remarkable performance at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games and his storied career in speedskating and commends him for his dedication, sportsmanship, and the pride he has brought to the Village of Glen Ellyn and the State of Illinois.

Margaret A. DeLaRosa

YOUTH MINDS MATTER SPIRIT WEEK

Declares April 13 through April 19, 2026 as Youth Minds Matter Spirit Week in the State of Illinois. Recognizes the students of Project Altogether and Talented Tenth Social Services for their leadership and dedication to the well-being of their peers and the residents of Illinois.

Barbara Hernandez

529 COLLEGE SAVINGS DAY

Declares May 29, 2026 as 529 College Savings Day in the State of Illinois to help raise awareness about the escalating costs of higher education and the importance of saving for college with the help of Illinois 529 College Savings Plans.

Mary Gill

CONGRATS-SAUGANASH WOMENS CLUB

Congratulates the Sauganash Woman's Club on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, commends its members past and present for their century of service, and extends best wishes for its continued success.

Michael J. Kelly

MEMORIAL-KEITH L. CAIN

Mourns the death of Keith Leo Cain of Princeton.

Ryan Spain

CONGRATS-HERRIN JHS GIRL BBALL

Congratulates the Herrin Junior High School girls basketball team, the Lady Tigers, on winning the 2026 Southern Illinois Junior High School Athletic Association (SIJHSAA) Class L State Championship and on achieving a 25-0 undefeated season.

Paul Jacobs

BANNER WHOLESALE DAY

Declares June 13, 2026 as Banner Wholesale Day in the State of Illinois in recognition of the company's deep roots and lasting impact on the City of Chicago and the State's grocery industry. Congratulates the Saltzman family and the entire team at Banner Wholesale Grocers on the occasion of its 100th Anniversary and commends them for their century of service to the people of Illinois.

Theresa Mah

ILLINOIS ABLE SAVINGS DAY

Declares August 14, 2026 as Illinois ABLE Savings Day in the State of Illinois.

Rick Ryan

CONGRATS-DON & JENNIE LATHAM

Congratulates Don and Jennie Latham on celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary.

Nicolle Grasse

REDUCE-KID-FRIENDLY VAPE SALES

Urges regulators and enforcement agencies to increase inspections and ensure that manufacturers, distributors, and retailers reduce the selling of unlawful, kid-friendly vapes. Urges for strengthened coordination between State agencies, law enforcement, school districts, and public health authorities to reduce youth access to illegal vape products and protect the health of all students.

Yolonda Morris

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. McCombie

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 Gabel

CONGRATS-RABBI ANDREA LONDON

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

Robyn Gabel

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. McCombie

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 Meier

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 Scherer

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 Hernandez

CONGRATS-USA MEN'S HOCKEY

Congratulates the USA Men's Hockey Team for winning an Olympic gold medal at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

Patrick Sheehan

MEMORIAL-TARDIFAY JACKSON

Mourns the passing of Tardifay (Horton) Jackson.

Camille Y. Lilly

CONGRATS-KINGSLEY JR. HIGH SCH

Congratulates Kingsley Junior High School's (Normal) eighth grade girls basketball team, the Cougars, on winning the 2025 Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) Class 4A State Championship.

Sharon Chung

CONGRATS-KINGSLEY JR. HIGH SCH

Congratulates Kingsley Junior High School's (Normal) eighth grade girls basketball team, the Cougars, on winning the 2025 Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) Class 4A State Championship.

Sharon Chung

CONGRATS-ABBEY MURPHY

Congratulates Abbey Murphy on winning an Olympic Gold Medal and commends her for her dedication, her resilience, and the exemplary manner in which she represented the State of Illinois and the United States of America.

Rick Ryan

CONGRATS-EBINGER ELEMENTARY

Congratulates the teachers, educators, students, and parents of Ebinger Elementary School on its 100th anniversary.

Brad Stephens

CONGRATS-TASC

Congratulates Treatment Alternatives for Stronger Communities (TASC) on its 50th anniversary. Thanks TASC for its significant contributions to justice reform, public health, and community well-being in Illinois. Wishes the organization continued success in advancing effective, accountable, and compassionate alternatives to incarceration.

Yolonda Morris

CONGRATS-VFW POST #1422

Congratulates Bushnell VFW Post #1422 on celebrating 100 years of service to the veterans and community of the City of Bushnell.

Dan Swanson

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 Halbrook

CONGRATS-POLICE CHIEF HEFEL

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

Tony M. McCombie

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 Spain

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. Ness

PREVENTION WEEK

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

Patrick Windhorst

MEMORIAL-DOROTHY KELLER

Mourns the passing of Dorothy Jane Cobb Keller of Jacksonville.

Gregg Johnson

MEMORIAL-STANDISH E. WILLIS

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

Yolonda Morris

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-Martin

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.

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 Sheehan

MEMORIAL-CINTHIA D. SMITH

Mourns the death of Cinthia Dianne "Cindy" Smith.

Sue Scherer

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 Buclet

MEMORIAL-PATRICK C. FINN

Mourns the death of Patrick Cassidy "Pat" Finn.

Michael J. Coffey, Jr.

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 Swanson

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-Cuellar

MEMORIAL-ERIC W. ZEHR

Mourns the death of Eric Wayne "Rick" Zehr.

Jehan Gordon-Booth

MEMORIAL-V. L. ROMAN-COMMINGS

Mourns the death of Valencia L. Roman-Commings.

Camille Y. Lilly

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. Harper

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 Canty

CONGRATS-LEONA WALKER DAVIS

Congratulates Leona Walker Davis on celebrating her 100th birthday.

Robyn Gabel

MEMORIAL-JOHN A. SMITH JR.

Mourns the passing of John Alden Smith Jr.

Curtis J. Tarver, II

MEMORIAL-DR. B. LAFAYETTE JR.

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

Carol Ammons

CONGRATS-BILL RIORDAN

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

Patrick Sheehan