HR0321 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0321 LRB100 12401 MST 25198 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Paul White on his retirement from Community Action after 38 years of service; and

WHEREAS, Paul White began working at the CEFS Economic Development Corporation on December 4, 1978 and has dedicated his life to the mission of Community Action and fighting the war on poverty; and

WHEREAS, Before joining the CEFS, Paul White served his country in Vietnam as a member of the United States Military; and

WHEREAS, Paul White became the Chief Executive Officer of the CEFS on August 13, 1980; and

WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Paul White, CEFS has grown to employ over 240 employees and manages a budget of 16 million dollars; and

WHEREAS, During the tenure of Paul White as CEO of CEFS, it started the Literacy Program, grew the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Program, which covers 14 counties in Central Illinois, and started such programs as Head Start, Housing Counseling, Medicare education, and Energy Conservation, which supports low-income people in achieving self-sufficiency; programs such as Weatherization, LIHEAP, Outreach, CSBG, RSVP, Housing, and Meals on Wheels have provided vital support services to individuals and families; and

WHEREAS, CEFS has became a rural transportation provider through the Illinois Department of Transportation, which has grown to include seven counties and provide over 120,000 trips annually; and

WHEREAS, Over the past 36 years, by the proactive leadership of Paul White, it is estimated that CEFS has provided approximately 500,000 services to low-income people; and

WHEREAS, Paul White has served on the boards of Local Workforce #23, Illinois Ventures for Community Action, South Central Continuum of Care, and Shelby County Community Services; and he has served on Board of the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies for over 20 years; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Paul White on his retirement from Community Action after 38 years of service and we wish him well in his retirement and in all future endeavors; and be it further

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