HR0899 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0899 LRB094 19471 LCT 55268 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago established its Government Affairs Program 25 years ago, in conjunction with the Statewide Federations across Illinois, with the Springfield office formally opening on May 9, 1981; and

WHEREAS, This Statewide advocacy program has been a successful educational conduit between Illinois State Government and the Jewish Federation and its respective affiliate agencies; and

WHEREAS, The "Chicago Model" quickly became adopted by most of the Jewish Federations in other major states, in recognition of the importance of state government in health and human services and the need for Jewish Federation advocacy at that level of government; there are now 23 similar Jewish Federation statewide programs across the country; and

WHEREAS, The Government Affairs Committee steering the Jewish Federation's advocacy agenda these past 25 years has included past General Assembly members as both Committee chairmen and members, utilizing the expertise and experience of past State service towards today's health and human services interests and needs of both the Jewish and general community; and

WHEREAS, The professional staff of the Government Affairs Program has been extremely stable, with Senior Vice President Joel Carp in Chicago and Springfield office staff Leonard Lieberman and Kathleen Parienti employed as the principal staff these entire 25 years; and

WHEREAS, The public policy agenda of the Jewish Federation is known for advocating what is best government practices for all State residents and all State agencies, not just the parochial concerns of the Jewish Community; and

WHEREAS, The lay leaders and staff of the Jewish Federation's Government Affairs Program have continuously mentored other ethnic and professional groups in advocacy techniques that emphasize full informational sharing, timely and effective communications, and the highest standards of lobbying and ethical conduct over the past 25 years; and

WHEREAS, The Government Affairs Program has been a continuous internship placement source for the University of Illinois at Springfield, introducing State government service and advocacy to over 20 interns, many of whom have gone on to careers in Illinois State government, law, and other public service; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and its Government Affairs Program are hereby commended for their past and current efforts and many successes in the formation of State public policy, ranging from emergency food and shelter programs to immigrant and refugee naturalization services, health care financing equity and stability, meaningful job training and placement programs for all adults including youths "aging out" of State care, and "care for the caregiver" initiatives for senior adults throughout Illinois, in addition to matters of concern regarding human rights and religious dignity for persons of all backgrounds in this State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy or this resolution be presented to the Government Affairs Committee, which is meeting in Springfield on March 28 and 29 of this year, and to the current Chairman, Arthur Berman, to take back to the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Board of Directors with our warmest greetings and respect and in anticipation of many future years of Jewish Federation advocacy partnership with Illinois State Government in public policy formation.