HJ0025 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0025 LRB099 07196 GRL 27289 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois General Assembly are pleased to honor those who make lasting contributions to this State and its citizens; and

WHEREAS, Monroe Flinn was born December 17, 1917 in Batesville, Arkansas; his family moved to Cahokia in 1956; as a young child, he was called "Big Boy" by his aunts, uncles, and his grandmother; this nickname eventually evolved into "Biggie", as he was called by his many close friends and relatives; and

WHEREAS, Monroe Flinn worked with his father as a barrelmaker before joining Granite City Steel, where he worked for 41 years; he later served as a legislator in the Illinois House of Representatives in Springfield from 1971 to 1995, leading the revision to the Illinois Constitution in 1972; during his tenure as State Representative, he was noted for unconditionally helping his colleagues and constituents; he will be remembered fondly as a man of common sense and honesty who earned the respect of his Republican colleagues and fellow Democrats alike; and

WHEREAS, While serving in the Statehouse, Monroe Flinn served on the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules; when he left the House of Representatives on January 10, 1995, he had the longest record of Joint Committee on Administrative Rules service and was its last remaining charter member; in recognition of his years of service on the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and in tribute to his unparalleled contribution to establishing and advancing rulemaking oversight in Illinois, the weekly publication of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules was named "The Flinn Report"; subscribers and library patrons throughout the State are reminded weekly that Representative Flinn helped shape and promote a system of regulatory review that serves as a model for other States; and

WHEREAS, During his 23 years as a legislator, Monroe Flinn served as Democratic Leader from 1975 to 1980 and on numerous committees, including Financial Institutions (chairman), Counties and Townships (co-chairman), and Legislative Information System Committee (co-chairman); and

WHEREAS, After his retirement, Monroe Flinn was appointed by the Secretary of State to serve as chairman on the State of Illinois Merit Commission, which he served in until his death; and

WHEREAS, Monroe Flinn was active in many civic and charitable organizations over the years; he was a life member of Emeth Lodge 1030 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Cahokia, a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Bodies of Southern Illinois, a charter member of the Centreville Men's Club, an honorary member of American Legion Post 784 in Cahokia, a member of the Moose Lodge 423 in Cahokia, a member of the Illinois Sheriffs' Association, and a member of the Shriners Ainad Temple; and

WHEREAS, Monroe Flinn's most treasured possession was his family; he was so proud of his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandson, nieces, nephews, sisters, and brothers; and

WHEREAS, Monroe Flinn was preceded in death by his parents, Monroe J. and Rue (nee Hanks) Flinn; 2 brothers, Robert and Dale Flinn; and a sister, Ellen (Flinn) Woodland; and

WHEREAS, Monroe Flinn was survived by his wife of 65 years, Freda Flinn; a son, Don Flinn; 2 daughters, Carol Flinn (Sam Millatti) and Debbie Flinn (Ron Wilshusen); 9 grandchildren, Lisa (Millatti) Inman, Mike Millatti, Sharon (Flinn) Erschen and her friend, Rob Simons, Kelly Flinn (Gary Simpson), Lori (Flinn) Gallion, Bradley Lobsinger, and Megan, Rebecca, and Ronnie Wilshusen; 8 great-grandchildren, David and Amanda Inman, Anthony Millatti, Rachel and Sarah Erschen, Abby and Aaron Creek, and Jake Simpson; a great-great-grandson, Trenton Inman; 3 sisters, Anna McGinnis, Yvonne Bognar, and Evelyn Brogan; and his many nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate the portion of Interstate 255 within the city limits of Cahokia as the "Monroe L. Flinn Memorial Highway" in honor of former State Representative Flinn and his accomplishments; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Transportation is requested to erect at suitable locations, consistent with State and federal regulations, appropriate plaques or signs giving notice of the name of the Monroe L. Flinn Memorial Highway; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the Illinois Department of Transportation and the family of Monroe Flinn.