HR0054 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0054 LRB099 06170 GRL 26307 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of our friend and former colleague, former State Representative Rosemary Mulligan, who passed away on December 30, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Mulligan was born in Chicago on July 8, 1941 to Stephen and Rose Granzyk; she attended Illinois State University and graduated from Harper College with an associate's degree in legal technology; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Mulligan first ran for State Representative in the 1990 primary election; initial results showed she had won, but a recount resulted in a tie and a subsequent lottery by coin-flip to determine the winner, which she also won; the court case and recount of ballots that followed would result in a reversal and even be cited in the ballot recount that followed the 2000 presidential election between then-Governor George W. Bush and then-Vice President Al Gore; and

WHEREAS, Though Rep. Mulligan lost her bid for office, she did not let this defeat deter her desire to serve the public; she persevered, and 2 years later won the Republican nomination for State Representative; she went on to win the general election in 1992 and took office in January of 1993; she served the communities of Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, and Park Ridge for 20 years; and

WHEREAS, As the Republican Spokesperson for the Human Services Appropriations Committee, Rep. Mulligan was a staunch advocate for the families of Illinois and her district, and for health care and the developmentally disabled; she fought tirelessly to improve human services for the less fortunate while keeping a keen eye on State spending; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Mulligan was a trailblazer for women's rights and issues; she passed bipartisan laws to protect victims of rape, to require emergency rooms to provide information to sexual assault victims about emergency contraception, to help low-income families get the health insurance and healthcare they need, and to help the families of American soldiers serving abroad receive assistance with State services; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Mulligan was recognized by Today's Chicago Woman magazine for her efforts and was named to its "One Of The Top 100 Women Making A Difference" list in July 1997; and

WHEREAS, While Rep. Mulligan was known for her wit and sense of humor, she was also known for her fearlessness and how seriously she took the great responsibilities of her job as a legislator; while she was known for her no-nonsense personality, fiery speeches, and debates on the House floor, she was also known for her willingness to reach across the aisle, her expertise on the State budget, and her passion to help the most vulnerable citizens in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Mulligan remained active in her local community throughout her time in office and after; she served as an Advisory Board Member for Avenues to Independence and for Have Dreams, working to improve services for the developmentally disabled; after leaving State office, she was appointed to the Des Plaines Library Board, where she fought to improve resources for the children of Des Plaines; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Mulligan's public service was recognized when she received the Illinois Community College Trustees Association's Distinguished Alumni Award in 1993; she was also active at the national level, serving as program chair for the White House Women's Economic Leadership Summit, and she represented the United States at the Women in the New Economy Summit when it convened in England and Northern Ireland; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Mulligan is survived by her children, Matthew (Christena) Bonaguidi and Daniel Bonaguidi; her grandchildren, Sophia and Isabelle; her brother, Stephen (Marilyn) Granzyk; her goddaughter, Patricia Richey; and several nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with her family and friends, mourn the passing of former State Representative Rosemary Mulligan; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Rep. Mulligan as an expression of our deepest sympathies and respect.