HR1388 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1388 LRB099 22534 GRL 49959 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Michael G. Horstman has faithfully and tirelessly served as Executive Director of the Illinois Optometric Association for the past 24 years; and

WHEREAS, Michael Horstman's advocacy, guidance, and leadership during his tenure have helped to transform optometry in Illinois into a full scope primary eye care profession through the successful passage of diagnostic, therapeutic, and oral legislation; and

WHEREAS, The citizens of the State of Illinois owe Michael Horstman a debt of gratitude for his work in developing improved and timely access to eye care; and

WHEREAS, Michael Horstman was instrumental in the creation of legislation mandating comprehensive eye exams for all Illinois children as they first enter school; and

WHEREAS, Countless numbers of Illinois children are now able to see properly and are effectively equipped to read and learn as a result of his efforts; and

WHEREAS, Michael Horstman's impact on the profession of optometry has extended beyond the State of Illinois through his contributions to the North Central States Optometric Council, as chair of the Association of Optometric Executives, and through his service to various committees of the American Optometric Association; and

WHEREAS, Michael Horstman has been a lobbyist held in highest regard amongst his peers as well as the Illinois General Assembly; he has been a key contact for numerous legislators and a tireless proponent of optometry in Washington, DC at AOA Congressional Advocacy Meetings; and

WHEREAS, The scope of Michael Horstman's accomplishments has been recognized by many others, he was recently awarded the Illinois College of Optometry's Presidential Medal of Achievement; and

WHEREAS, Michael Horstman is also a recipient of the Virgil Deering Award, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an Executive Director of a state optometric association and a testament to the successful and enduring impact of his service to the profession; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate and thank Michael G. Horstman for his many years of professional accomplishments and extend our best wishes to him for a happy and healthy retirement; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Michael Horstman as a symbol of our esteem and respect.