HR1692 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1692 LRB095 23297 GRL 54011 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to honor our esteemed colleague, State Representative Elga Jefferies, on her service to the people of the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Representative Jefferies is a lifelong resident of Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood and has proudly served her 26th Representative District constituents since 2006; and

WHEREAS, In 2002, Representative Jefferies was recognized for her knowledge of State government and commitment to her community by being appointed to fill the remainder of State Senator Margaret Smith's term; and

WHEREAS, Representative Jefferies served for 19 years as a legislative aide and office manager for the late Representative Lovana "Lou" Jones; and

WHEREAS, Following the death of Representative Jones in 2006, Elga was appointed to serve the remainder of Representative Jones' term; and

WHEREAS, Since 2000, Representative Jefferies has served as the Deputy Mayor of Bronzeville, an elected position established by the Bronzeville Merchants Association; she is also active in Operation PUSH, the Task Force for Black Empowerment, and the Palmer House for Boys; and

WHEREAS, As State Representative, she continued Lou Jones' tradition of being a voice for the voiceless by fighting for working families, children, and seniors, as well as helping district residents to access State services; and

WHEREAS, While serving as State Representative, she compiled a number of important legislative accomplishments that reflect her dedication to improving the lives of the 26th District's residents, including voting for record increases in education funding for local schools, pushing to expand prescription drug coverage for seniors under the Illinois Cares Rx program, fighting to increase funding for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, successfully taking on the big utility companies to provide rate relief for consumers, and working to create programs to help rehabilitate drug users and help them find the right path; and

WHEREAS, Representative Jefferies is the dedicated mother of four and the loving grandmother of four; her commitment to public service is motivated by her desire that they and future generations might grow up in a better world where opportunities for success are widely available to all; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we thank Representative Elga Jefferies for her many years of service to improving the safety, welfare, and quality of life for the people of the 26th District and the people of Illinois and wish her the best in all of her future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Representative Elga Jefferies as a symbol of appreciation and respect on behalf of her colleagues in the Illinois House of Representatives.