HR0051 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0051 LRB095 08118 KXB 28282 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, In the Spring of 2006 the Illinois House of Representatives embarked on the construction phase of an ambitious effort to restore its regular State Capitol chambers to the former grandeur and majesty of their first days in 1877; and

WHEREAS, The extent of the work required to reconstruct the House chambers was such that it necessitated that the Body select an alternative site at which to convene the 94th General Assembly's 2006 Fall Veto Session, held the 14th, 15th, 16th, 28th, 29th, and 30th days of November, and the concluding three days of the regular session, held the 7th, 8th, and 9th days of January 2007; and

WHEREAS, After a thorough review it was determined that the most logical and fitting location for temporary quarters would be the Old State Capitol State Historic Site in downtown Springfield; it is one of the five former State Capitols and the last home of the General Assembly before taking up residence in the current Capitol in 1877; and

WHEREAS, The Old State Capitol had not been used as a legislative meeting place since the years 1875 to 1877, when it housed the 29th General Assembly, nor had it been used as a place for official State business since delegates to the 1970 Constitutional Convention assembled there to do their work; and

WHEREAS, A brief period of adjustment to the amenities and particularities of a 19th Century legislative setting quickly gave way to the House members' deep sense of awe at their historic surroundings; legislators recognized the rare honor and privilege afforded them to speak and debate in the same place as had many of their distinguished predecessors, including Abraham Lincoln, our nation's greatest president and a former member of the Illinois House, who delivered his famous "House-Divided" speech in that same setting after his selection as the 1858 Republican U.S. Senate candidate; and

WHEREAS, The nine session days of the House of Representatives held at the Old State Capitol demonstrate that a facility designated a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places may still play an essential role in the operations of modern government when the need arises; and

WHEREAS, While the House of Representatives staff devoted extensive time and energy towards ensuring that House members would be able to conduct the important business of the people without undue burden or hardship, it is recognized that this would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency staff; Director Robert Coomer, Pat Baska, Jennie Battles, Dave Blanchette, Ed Killen, Dennis Mastroddi, Dan Ortgesson, Lee Reed, Chet Rhodes, Bill Sherer, Sandy Temple, and Gary Whitly all played essential roles in ensuring the smooth functioning of the proceedings; Site Manager Justin Blandford and his assistant Bill Hortberg are worthy of special commendation for their dedication, hard work, and long hours; and

WHEREAS, House members, staff, and all those who had the good fortune to observe the proceedings of the 94th General Assembly at the Old State Capitol judged them to be a complete success, worthy of the Body's traditions and history; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we extend a hearty thank you to those who offered their hospitality and made it possible for the House to meet in such magnificent temporary quarters and fulfill its constitutional responsibilities; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Director Robert Coomer, Pat Baska, Jennie Battles, Dave Blanchette, Ed Killen, Dennis Mastroddi, Dan Ortgesson, Lee Reed, Chet Rhodes, Bill Sherer, Sandy Temple, Gary Whitly, Justin Blandford, and Bill Hortberg as an expression of our sincere appreciation and gratitude.