Bills & Legislation

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

CONGRATS-HARRIS FAMILY BAND

Congratulates the Harris Family Band on the occasion of its 60th anniversary and wishes its members continued success.

Michael J. Coffey, Jr.Republican

MUSEUM DAY

Declares May 18, 2026 as Museum Day in the State of Illinois in recognition of the profound impact museums have on our communities and their power to transform the world around us. Encourages all citizens of Illinois to visit our State's museums, participate in their programming, and support their mission of fostering a more connected and understanding society.

Kimberly Du BucletDemocrat

MEMORIAL-MUROD KURDI

Mourns the death of Murod Kurdi of Oak Lawn.

Abdelnasser RashidDemocrat

EHLERS-DANLOS AWARENESS MONTH

Declares May 2026 as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) Awareness Month in honor of those surviving daily with EDS. Encourages scientific research and funding towards finding a cure.

Natalie A. ManleyDemocrat

FRENCH HERITAGE MONTH/DAY

Declares March 2026 as French Heritage Month and March 20, 2026 as French Heritage Day in the State of Illinois to celebrate the linguistic and cultural heritage of French-speaking communities and to promote the values of diversity, cooperation, and cultural exchange.

Jackie HaasRepublican

CONGRATS-DEER CREEK-MACKINAW

Congratulates the Deer Creek-Mackinaw High School's girl's basketball team, the Lady Chiefs, on winning the 2025-26 Illinois High School Association Class 1A State Championship.

William E HauterRepublican

CONGRATS-DR. LYNN GLICKMAN

Congratulates Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lynn Glickman on her retirement from Community Consolidated School District (CCSD) 46. Thanks her for her dedicated service in empowering learners, creating equity, and cultivating community.

Laura Faver DiasDemocrat

MEMORIAL-DAVID L. WALTER

Mourns the passing of David Lynn Walter.

Tracy Katz MuhlDemocrat

MEMORIAL-TERRENCE FITZMAURICE

Mourns the death of Terrence P. "Terry" Fitzmaurice.

Marcus C. Evans, Jr.Democrat

PARK AND RECREATION MONTH

Declares July 2026 as Park and Recreation Month in the State of Illinois to celebrate the dedicated agencies' locally elected commissioners, professionals, and volunteers whose work enhances the quality of life for millions of Illinois residents and underscores the power of parks and recreation to build healthier, more connected, and more resilient communities.

Diane Blair-SherlockDemocrat

CONGRATS-DR. SHAKA RAWLS

Congratulates Principal Dr. Shaka Rawls of Leo Catholic High School on receiving the 2026 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership. Thanks him for his tireless dedication to the students of Leo Catholic High School and the community of Auburn Gresham in Chicago.

Michael CrawfordDemocrat

CONGRATS-INPC/PINE ROCK

Congratulates the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission and Northern Illinois University on the 60th anniversary of the dedication of Pine Rock Nature Preserve. Commends the organizations' ongoing commitment to conservation, education.

Bradley FrittsRepublican

MEMORIAL-BENTLEY K. WOLFE

Mourns the death of Bentley Kahne Wolfe.

Adam M. NiemergRepublican

CONGRATS-CHIEF ADAM YATES

Congratulates Police Chief Adam Yates of the Quincy Police Department on the occasion of his retirement. Thanks him for his service to his community and the State of Illinois. Wishes him the best in his future endeavors.

Kyle MooreRepublican

KIND ACT IMPLEMENTATION

Acknowledges the accomplishments and implementation progress of the Kinship in Demand (KIND) Act. Urges the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to aggressively continue implementation of the KIND Act to deliver permanency to more children and to keep families together even when reunification is not possible. Urges DCFS to execute needed revisions to Rule 415 one year after all statutory provisions went into effect. Urges DCFS to actively pursue the recently announced federal funding opportunities by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children & Families to support kinship navigator services and to bolster the implementation of the KIND Act. Urges DCFS to provide continual, updated training opportunities and resource materials for staff. Urges the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts to provide effective statewide judicial education on the KIND Act. Supports the judiciary's efforts to diligently implement the components of the KIND Act.

Marcus C. Evans, Jr.Democrat

COMMENDS-NORM MEIER

Commends and thanks Norm Meier for his courageous military service, his decades of dedication to education and coaching, and his lasting impact on the Newark community.

Jed DavisRepublican

MEMORIAL-JUDY K. THOMPSON

Mourns the passing of Judy Kay Thompson of Godfrey.

Amy ElikRepublican

VACCINE AWARENESS DAY

Declares July 10, 2026 as Vaccine Awareness Day in the State of Illinois to continue educating the public on the importance of vaccination, initiate meaningful dialogue around vaccination, and encourage the uptake of recommended vaccines. Urges the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to inform healthcare providers and Illinois residents that vaccinations are a highly effective and safe public health measure and to increase public awareness about the importance of all Illinois residents receiving immunizations as recommended. Urges IDPH to specify the differences between recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and those issued by professional medical societies and to promote vaccination outreach and education initiatives that emphasize the importance of communication between patients and healthcare providers. Urges IDPH to continue prioritizing immunization initiatives and policies and to invest in immunization infrastructure to ensure broad and open access to immunizations. Urges IDPH to strengthen the State's public health preparedness, encourage the promotion and sharing of evidence-based vaccine recommendations, improve cross-state collaboration, and respond effectively to federal vaccine policies that lack scientific basis. Urges the Governor to explore joining a multi-state public health collaborative.

Nicolle GrasseDemocrat

SUPPORT-TAIWAN RELATIONSHIP

Reaffirms the commitment to the strengthening and deepening of the sister-state relationship between the State of Illinois and Taiwan, the Republic of China (ROC). Reaffirms support for the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and supports Illinois businesses referring to Taiwan as "Taiwan". Endorses Taiwan's efforts to secure the signing of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) and the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (ADTA) with the United States. Supports the further strengthening of a closer economic and trade partnership between the State of Illinois and Taiwan with multiple possible approaches, including signing an economic and trade memorandum of understanding, exploring the possibility of establishing an Illinois Office in Taiwan, and sending Illinois high-level officials to visit Taiwan without being threatened by any adversary forces. Supports Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations, which impact the well-being of the peoples of Taiwan, the State of Illinois, the U.S., and the world. Opposes any distortion or misuse of UNGA Resolution 2758 to attempt to deny Taiwan's aspiration to make contributions in international societies.

William "Will" DavisDemocrat

MEMORIAL-CARL W. STRATHMANN

Mourns the passing of Carl William Strathmann.

Anna MoellerDemocrat

CONGRATS-MASSAC MEMORIAL

Congratulates Massac Memorial Hospital on its 70th anniversary and commends the dedicated healthcare professionals, staff, volunteers, and philanthropic supporters whose contributions have made Massac Memorial Hospital a lasting success.

Patrick WindhorstRepublican

CONGRATS-PAUL B. STODDARD

Congratulates Paul B. Stoddard on his retirement from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign after his outstanding career and dedicated service to the University of Illinois, the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, and the people of the State of Illinois. Wishes him continued success, good health, and happiness in his well-earned retirement.

Bradley FrittsRepublican

IDOC/OAC-CORRECTIONS MEM'L

Urges the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Office of the Architect of the Capitol to establish a Corrections Fallen Heroes Memorial on the State Capitol grounds. Recognizes the inherent danger and risk that correctional employees confront daily while serving a critical public safety mission. Affirms that the State's fallen heroes are deserving of a public memorial honoring the sacrifice they made.

Gregg JohnsonDemocrat

MEMORIAL-CHRISTIE E. FISCHER

Mourns the death of Christie E. (Thomas) Fischer of Zion.

Joyce MasonDemocrat

CONGRATS-MAUREEN RIEDY

Congratulates Maureen Riedy on her retirement, commends her for her extraordinary contributions to the Illinois tourism industry, and wishes her continued success and happiness in all her future endeavors.

Joyce MasonDemocrat

COMMENDS-NANNETTE BUTLER

Commends Nannette Butler for her lifelong commitment to service, civil rights, and community leadership and for the profound and positive impact she has made in Chicago and beyond.

Ann M. WilliamsDemocrat

COMMENDS-AMAN YOHANNES

Commends Aman Yohannes, a student at Loyola Academy, for his exemplary leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to civic engagement. Thanks him for the positive impact he has made on his school and community.

Ann M. WilliamsDemocrat

COMMENDS-DAVID ELLINGTON

Commends David Ellington for his decades of service to the community and for his enduring dedication to helping individuals achieve recovery, stability, and hope.

Ann M. WilliamsDemocrat

AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

Declares April 2026 as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month in the State of Illinois to help increase public awareness of the need to support individuals with autism and the family members, medical professionals, and human services professionals who help care for individuals with autism.

Natalie A. ManleyDemocrat

CONGRATS-BYRON BRAZIER, D.MIN.

Congratulates Byron T. Brazier, D.Min. on the occasion of his recent appointment to the Office of Bishop of the Apostolic Church of God.

Emanuel "Chris" WelchDemocrat

IL BACON DAY

Declares May 6, 2026 as Illinois Bacon Day in the State of Illinois and invites all Illinoisans to thank a pig farmer by enjoying some delicious slices of bacon.

Mary Beth CantyDemocrat

CONGRATS-AARON MERCIER

Congratulates Aaron Mercier on his retirement. Commends him for his more than three decades of outstanding service in the field of education to the State of Illinois.

Tony M. McCombieRepublican

MEMORIAL-BARBARA & KALEB DEER

Mourns the passing of Barbara Deer and her son, Kaleb Deer, of Chicago

Sonya M. HarperDemocrat

CONGRATS-DECATUR CATHOLIC

Congratulates the Decatur Catholic Athletics 8th grade girls volleyball team, the Bulldogs, on winning the Illinois Elementary School Association 2026 Class 2A State Championship.

Sue SchererDemocrat

CONGRATS-JIM WISEMAN

Congratulates Jim Wiseman on his retirement as executive director of the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA). Commends him for his 18 years of dedicated service to the disability community. Wishes him health and happiness in all his future endeavors.

Suzanne M. NessDemocrat

COMMENDS-FELIX SAJI

Commends Felix Saji, a fourth grade teacher at John V. Leigh School, on being named to the Curriculum Associates 2026 Class of Extraordinary Educators and for his continued extraordinary efforts in and out of the classroom.

Brad StephensRepublican

COMMENDS-THE SELFHELP HOME

Commends The Selfhelp Home for its 88 years of contributions and service to the people of the State of Illinois.

Hoan HuynhDemocrat

MEMORIAL-DR. ANGELA MARTIN

Mourns the death of Dr. Angela Martin, a legendary gospel radio host, minister, and pillar of faith in the Chicago community.

Debbie Meyers-MartinDemocrat

MEMORIAL-US REP. TERRY BRUCE

Mourns the death of former United States Representative Terry L. Bruce of Olney.

Jay HoffmanDemocrat

CONGRATS-RIALTO SQUARE THEATRE

Congratulates the Rialto Square Theatre on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, celebrating a century of artistic achievement, historic preservation, and community service. Commends all those who have contributed to the success and preservation of the Rialto Square Theatre over the past century. Extends best wishes for its continued vitality and success for generations to come.

Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr.Democrat

COMMENDS-CARL SANDBURG COLLEGE

Commends Carl Sandburg College clubs and the Student Development division for their incredible service and the thousands of hours they have dedicated to the betterment of their community.

Dan SwansonRepublican

MEMORIAL-TERYN ROBINSON

Mourns the passing of Teryn Robinson.

Bob MorganDemocrat

CONGRATS-CURT OLDFIELD, ED.D.

Commends Curt Oldfield, Ed.D. on the occasion of concluding his 14-year tenure as president of Spoon River College. Wishes him continued success in his future endeavors.

Norine K. HammondRepublican

CONGRATS-JOANNA GOLDBERG

Congratulates Joanna Goldberg on being named to the Extraordinary Educators Class of 2026 by Curriculum Associates.

Elizabeth "Lisa" HernandezDemocrat

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA DAY

Declares May 6, 2026 as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Day in the State of Illinois.

Kimberly Du BucletDemocrat