SR2581 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR2581 LRB099 24183 MST 51887 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, State Senator John Sullivan has represented the citizens of the State of Illinois and the residents of the 47th Legislative District since 2003; and

WHEREAS, Senator Sullivan was elected in 2002 to represent the historically Republican district with the distinction of being the only Democrat State Senator with two Republican representatives and the largest geographical State Senate District in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, As a working farmer in the State Senate and a lifelong resident of the 47th Senate District, Senator Sullivan has first-hand knowledge of agriculture and has been an effective voice in Springfield for farmers across Illinois; during his service as Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, he worked with great diligence to make sure current laws evolved to meet new demands and that new laws were created with the best interests of Illinois farmers in mind; and

WHEREAS, Senator Sullivan was awarded the Friend of Agriculture award by the Illinois Farm Bureau ACTIVATOR seven times for standing up for Illinois farmers; he worked to ensure Illinois consistently took advantage of crop-based fuels by expanding ethanol tax incentives to include soy-based diesel fuels and providing three million dollars for research to invest further in this technology to grow the Illinois agriculture industry and decrease dependence on foreign oil; and

WHEREAS, Putting political affiliation aside, Senator Sullivan served as the chief negotiator for the 2009 $31 billion capital construction program that addressed vital regional priorities such as the Macomb bypass and continued construction towards a four-lane U.S. 34 between Monmouth and Burlington; and

WHEREAS, During his time in the Senate, Senator Sullivan has looked for every way the State could save money and cut down on wasteful spending; this is evident by his success in spearheading bipartisan legislation to find $9.2 million in yearly savings by changing the way the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) entitlement program is administered by limiting retroactive payments; ultimately the legislation passed the House and Senate with unanimous support; and

WHEREAS, Senator Sullivan, an avid hunter, worked to protect the Second Amendment rights of Illinois residents by securing the passage of concealed carry laws, extending deer hunting hours, youth hunting licenses, creating otter hunting season, and updating concealed carry laws to allow competent and qualified hunters with mild disabilities to obtain a concealed carry permit; and

WHEREAS, Understanding the importance of creating future jobs and taking care of our vulnerable populations, Senator Sullivan worked to create a consensus to open a new treatment facility in Rushville for those seeking treatment for sexually violent behavior by hosting local meetings in Rushville to answer questions and provide assurances to concerned community residents and then later fighting for a $13 million expansion to alleviate overcrowding in the facility; and

WHEREAS, Senator Sullivan has worked hard to enhance transportation and economic development opportunities in Quincy by helping to secure over $1.2 million in State funding to revitalize downtown Quincy and make sure it is safe, accessible, and well-lit for residents; and

WHEREAS, Putting veterans first, Senator Sullivan worked diligently to secure and protect veterans at the Quincy Veterans Home by securing over $16.3 million to keep the Quincy Veterans Home Guest House open, funding safety renovations and repairs; and

WHEREAS, To honor returning Illinois veterans and help them find gainful employment, Senator Sullivan wrote and passed a law with unanimous support to implement a 20% tax credit for Illinois employers when they hire an unemployed veteran who has served on active duty since September 11, 2001; and

WHEREAS, Senator Sullivan believes in true constituent service and common sense legislation; he has worked with many of his constituents to write laws to address the needs of Illinois residents, such as his initiative to increase educational opportunities for Illinois National Guard members by allowing Guard members to be eligible for a grant for up to one year after their service ends to make sure Illinois veterans are able to take advantage of these vital benefits; and

WHEREAS, Senator Sullivan, recognizing the importance of investing in higher education due to the economic and educational benefits, secured over $820 million in funding for Western Illinois University in Macomb; and

WHEREAS, Senator Sullivan understands the importance of working with every stakeholder, regardless of their political party, to guarantee the residents of the 47th State Senate District are represented to the best of his ability which can be seen by the support he has received by a wide variety of organizations, unions and associations such as the Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs (IAAF), the Illinois Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and Extension Partners, the Illinois Manufacturers' Association, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois AFL-CIO, the Illinois Federation of Teachers, the Illinois Education Association, University Professionals of Illinois, the National Rifle Association, the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police, and many others; and

WHEREAS, Senator Sullivan has built a reputation as an effective legislator who is always willing to reach across the political aisle to work in a bipartisan manner; and

WHEREAS, Senator Sullivan is the devoted husband of 33 years to Joan Sullivan; the loving father of son, Matt, and daughter-in-law, Karla; daughter, Emily; son, Luke, and daughter-in-law, Charlene; son, Mark; and granddaughters, Elaine, Audrey, Molly, and Rosie; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we thank Senator John Sullivan for his dedicated service to the people of Western Illinois and honor him with this resolution; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Senator John Sullivan with our best wishes for his future endeavors.