HR1555 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1555 LRB096 24552 GRL 44373 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to honor our esteemed colleague, Illinois State Representative Mark Walker, for his dedicated service to the people of the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Representative Walker was elected to serve as State Representative in November of 2008; he has faithfully served the 66th District in the Illinois House of Representatives during the 96th General Assembly; he has been a tireless advocate for his district and a strong voice for his constituents; and

WHEREAS, Prior to his election, Representative Walker proudly enlisted in the United States Army and served in Vietnam, earning the Bronze Star for his service; as co-chair of the Northwest Suburban Veterans Advisory Council, he continues working to improve the quality of care that injured veterans receive from Illinois' medical facilities, including access to mental health counseling for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder; and

WHEREAS, After his service to our country and an honorable discharge from the Army, Representative Walker earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Brown University before starting a successful career in the financial services industry; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure in the Illinois House of Representatives, Representative Walker has been a thoughtful and effective member of the Access to Federal Funding, Appropriations-Human Services, Cities & Villages, International Trade & Commerce, and Veterans' Affairs committees; and

WHEREAS, Representative Walker has shepherded many beneficial and meaningful pieces of legislation through the General Assembly; he sponsored legislation assisting the survivors of fallen service members; he has also helped to reform State government and to increase the transparency of its operations; protect children from dangerous sexual predators, impeach corrupt former Governor Rod Blagojevich, and encourage business development in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Representative Walker vigorously fought to roll back a burdensome sales tax in Cook County and to protect Illinois consumers and businesses by passing legislation that makes it easier for the Cook County Board of Commissioners to override a board president's veto; and

WHEREAS, Beyond his tenure in the House, Representative Walker has also served on the Arlington Heights Park Foundation Board, leading efforts to renovate and revive Arlington Heights' historic Memorial Park; and

WHEREAS, Representative Walker and his wife, Joan, have lived in Arlington Heights for over 25 years and are the proud parents of their son, Stephen; and

WHEREAS, Representative Walker has served the people of Illinois with distinction, especially with regards to his efforts to keep businesses and jobs in the State, his impressive work on behalf of his fellow veterans, and his drive to bring a more business-minded sensibility to the management of the State's budget and finances; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we honor State Representative Mark Walker for his dedicated service to the people of Illinois and the residents of his district and wish him much success and happiness in his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Representative Mark Walker as a symbol of our esteem and respect.