SR0460 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0460 LRB104 15572 ECR 28738 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the members of the Illinois Senate recognize the accomplishments and contributions made by exceptional officials and citizens of the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Former Governor Jim Edgar was raised in Charleston and attended Eastern Illinois University, where his leadership was evident early on through his role as student body president; and

WHEREAS, Gov. Edgar was first elected to public office in 1977; he devoted himself fully to public service, serving with distinction as State Representative of the 53rd District, Illinois Secretary of State, and ultimately as the 38th Governor of Illinois, where he guided the State through some of its most challenging times with steady resolve and an unwavering commitment to the public good; and

WHEREAS, Gov. Edgar, during his two terms as governor, steered Illinois through a budget deficit with courage and foresight, ensuring that essential services were preserved while restoring public confidence in government; and

WHEREAS, Gov. Edgar was a tireless advocate for education, championing reforms that improved school funding and ensuring that every child in Illinois had access to quality learning opportunities, leaving behind a legacy of stronger, fairer educational foundations for generations to come; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Gov. Edgar embodied the rare spirit of true statesmanship, bridging political divides, fostering bipartisanship, and demonstrating that respect and cooperation among lawmakers were essential to building a better future; and

WHEREAS, Gov. Edgar's influence extended beyond public office, being named a distinguished fellow at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, and a resident fellow at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, where he continued to shape young minds and inspire future leaders; and

WHEREAS, Gov. Edgar served as chairman of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation and as a Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois, carrying forward the legacy of Illinois' most revered leader, Abraham Lincoln, and exemplifying honesty, fairness, and a devotion to the common good; and

WHEREAS, Gov. Edgar also created the Edgar Fellows Program, investing deeply in the next generation of civic leaders by teaching that effective governance requires mutual understanding, respect for differing views, and a commitment to the greater good; and

WHEREAS, Gov. Edgar's leadership, integrity, and humility earned him the respect and admiration of citizens across Illinois as well as the nation, and his dedication was recognized with the Order of Lincoln, the State of Illinois' highest honor; and

WHEREAS, Gov. Edgar will be remembered beyond his titles and accolades as a man of character and compassion whose steady hand and servant's heart left an indelible mark on the history and people of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare September 14, 2026 as Governor Jim Edgar Day in the State of Illinois in recognition of former Governor Jim Edgar's life, his legacy, and his extraordinary career in public service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Gov. Edgar as an expression of our esteem and respect.