HR1344 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1344 LRB097 23654 MST 72726 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to honor our esteemed former colleague, State Representative Dan Reitz, on his 14 years as a member of the Illinois General Assembly and thank him for his dedicated service to his State and his community; and

WHEREAS, Representative Reitz was born and raised in Randolph County, where he and his wife, Joyce, raised their three children, Nathan, Nicholas, and Natalie; and

WHEREAS, Representative Reitz served his community as a Randolph County Commissioner from 1987 until 1996, serving as chairman of the county board, and helped to lead his county through the Great Flood of 1993; and

WHEREAS, Following the tragic and unexpected death of Rep. Terry Deering, Rep. Reitz answered the call of service by accepting an appointment as State representative of the 116th District; and

WHEREAS, Representative Reitz never forgot his roots as a coal miner; in the legislature he advocated for investment in Illinois' coal industry and offered unwavering support for his fellow miners during some of the industry's most difficult times; and

WHEREAS, Representative Reitz has been a proud advocate for hunters and sportsmen; his contribution toward the construction of the World Shooting and Recreation Complex in Sparta, Illinois, helped to create economic opportunity in the region, expanded access to hunting, fishing, and shooting, and built a world-class facility where hunters, sportsmen, conservationists, and shooting enthusiasts can share traditions and pastimes and instill an appreciation for Illinois' natural resources with a new generation of sportsmen; since 2006, the facility has served as the home of the Amateur Trapshooting Association Grand American Trapshooting Championships, one of the premier events in shooting sports, welcoming over 7,000 sportsmen and 100,000 spectators each year; and

WHEREAS, Representative Reitz has been a tireless champion of Illinois' agricultural community, serving as chairman of the Agriculture and Conservation Committee, promoting investment in ethanol, protecting farmlands, and consistently making the voice of Illinois' farmers heard in Springfield; and

WHEREAS, Representative Reitz has been a leading advocate for strengthening and maintaining Illinois' levees, preventing flooding, and protecting the homes, communities, and security of riverfront families; and

WHEREAS, All who had the honor to serve alongside Representative Reitz will miss his warm friendship and will strive to emulate the collegial esteem he brought to this chamber; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate and thank State Representative Dan Reitz for his years of dedicated service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Representative Reitz as an expression of our respect and esteem, and with our best wishes for his future success.