HR0043 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0043 LRB095 07728 KXB 27887 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Six different structures, located in Kaskaskia, Vandalia, and Springfield, have served as the Illinois Capitol since the State's founding in 1818; and

WHEREAS, Traditionally, the Capitol included space for the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of State government, and by custom and practice each General Assembly's inaugural ceremonies took place in that structure; and

WHEREAS, Only twice in the history of the Illinois House of Representatives has chamber construction or reconstruction work necessitated that inaugural proceedings take place at an alternative location; first, in 1840, when the construction of the building now known as the Old State Capitol was not completed, and again in 2007, as craftsmen diligently worked to finish renovations that would restore the House chambers to the grandeur and majesty of its first days in 1877; construction of the present Capitol was finally completed in 1888; and

WHEREAS, A number of venues for hosting the Illinois House of Representatives portion of the 95th General Assembly's inaugural ceremonies were considered; the Sangamon Auditorium at the University of Illinois at Springfield was judged to provide the best alternative to the actual House chambers; and

WHEREAS, While the House of Representatives staff devoted extensive time and energy towards ensuring that the 2007 ceremonies were conducted in a manner consistent with the dignity and high standards of all previous House inaugurals, it is recognized that the event would not have been possible without the assistance and many hours of hard work provided by University of Illinois at Springfield personnel and the Sangamon Auditorium staff; Gerald Burkhart, Cheryl Peck, Joan Sestak, and Ed Wojcicki were especially helpful in coordinating the logistics of this important event; and

WHEREAS, The inaugural was judged by House members, their families, and guests 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 our sincere appreciation for the unprecedented hospitality extended by the University to our members, families, guests, and other dignitaries on the occasion of the January 10, 2007 inaugural ceremony; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Chancellor Richard Ringeisen on behalf of the grateful members of the Illinois House of Representatives.