HR0985 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0985 LRB103 43733 MST 77143 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Mark Walker on his distinguished service in the Illinois House and extend best wishes as he continues his service in the Illinois Senate; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Walker served the people of Illinois with dedication, integrity, and leadership throughout his tenure in the Illinois House of Representatives; and

WHEREAS, A respected community leader, business executive, and decorated veteran of the United States Army during the Vietnam War, Rep. Walker was first elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2009, serving portions of Arlington Heights, Palatine, Prospect Heights, and Rolling Meadows; and

WHEREAS, During his time in the House, Rep. Walker championed legislation promoting economic development, veterans' affairs, and public safety, including the passage of the Illinois Small Business Recovery Act and the Veterans' Access to Education Act; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Walker relied on his decades of experience in finance and business management to develop landmark legislation supporting small businesses, expanding job training programs, and securing critical infrastructure investments that have strengthened Illinois' economy and improved the lives of its residents, including advocating for strategic investments in Illinois' quantum computing sector to position the State as a national leader in advanced technology research and development; and

WHEREAS, As a veteran of the Vietnam War and a Bronze Star recipient, Rep. Walker worked to honor, support, and care for his fellow veterans; he worked in his Arlington Heights community to revive and modernize Memorial Park as a tribute to service members; as a lawmaker, he led efforts to enhance support resources for returning service members, improve access to healthcare, and expand opportunities and securities for veterans and their families; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Walker's legislative accomplishments also include advancing measures to bolster public safety, such as sponsoring the Community Safety and Support Act and securing funding for local police departments to enhance community outreach and crime prevention efforts; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Walker consistently supported all members of his community through legislation designed to promote social equity, protect vulnerable populations, protect indigenous peoples, and ensure equal opportunities for economic and educational advancement; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Walker was also a steadfast advocate for responsible fiscal stewardship, working diligently to ensure that Democratic priorities in Illinois are pursued with financial prudence and long-term economic sustainability; and

WHEREAS, Beyond his legislative work, Rep. Walker was an active member of his community, volunteering with organizations such as the Illinois Food Bank and the Veterans Assistance Foundation, as well as participating in numerous civic initiatives aimed at supporting underserved communities; and

WHEREAS, As former Representative Walker begins a new chapter of public service in the Illinois Senate, his leadership and experience will undoubtedly continue to benefit the people of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Sen. Mark Walker on his outstanding service in the Illinois House of Representatives, commend his many legislative accomplishments, and extend our best wishes for his continued success in the Illinois State Senate; and be it further

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