HR1165

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HOUSE RESOLUTION


 
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    WHEREAS, This Illinois House of Representatives has 
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learned that veteran television newsman Dick Kay has announced 
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his plans to retire from WMAQ-TV after a 46-year career in 
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broadcasting; and

 
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    WHEREAS, This legendary career began where so many other 
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good Illinois activities occur     - in Peoria, Illinois; and

 
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    WHEREAS, As a native of Delrose, Tennessee, Dick Kay made a 
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stop in Green Bay before settling in at Chicago's NBC affiliate 
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in 1968, and as a first assignment, he was sent as a 
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writer/producer to cover a gathering of national Democratic 
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Party leaders on the city's

Southwest Side; and

 
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    WHEREAS, During his distinguished career, he was the 
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recipient of 11 Emmys, the Jacob Scher Award, the National 
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Headliner Award, and honors from the Associated Press Chicago 
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Headline Club, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the 
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Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans; and

 
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    WHEREAS, Dick Kay's academic career was highlighted by 
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being named a Distinguished Alumnus by Bradley University, but 
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included dropping out of high school and earning a GED 
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certificate while serving in the U.S. Navy; and

 
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    WHEREAS, Many members of the legislature and the other 
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branches of State government enjoyed being part of Dick Kay's 
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long running "City Desk" to discuss public issues and

politics; 
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and

 
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    WHEREAS, Dick Kay may be best remembered by lawmakers for 
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his examination of the study commissions, the elimination of 
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more than two dozen panels, and the awarding of

the prestigious 
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George Foster Peabody Medallion, the highest national 
 


 






HR1165
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LRB094 20232 HSS 58133 r




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broadcasting
award in 1985; and

 
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    WHEREAS, Dick Kay's career has also included extensive 
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service as the president of the American Federation of 
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Television Artists and at least one legislative battle that led 
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to an outlawing of non-compete clauses in talent contracts over 
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a gubernatorial veto; and

 
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    WHEREAS, Dick Kay, who answers to the nickname "Doogie" and 
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found time to develop a number of hobbies, including a passion 
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for sailing, now insists he wants to stop and smell roses; so 
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taking him at his word; therefore, be it

 
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    RESOLVED, BY THE  HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 
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NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that 
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Dick Kay be saluted for his distinguished career and for his 
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efforts to help the people of Illinois become better informed 
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about public policy and the role of government in our lives; 
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and be it further

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