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Bill

SR 317

Commending McKinley L. Price, D.D.S.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lashrecse Aird and 5 co-sponsors

Ceremonial Senate resolution mourns Jane Emerson and commends Brightside Forever Foundation for inclusion and inclusive employment, and support for special education programs.

Bill text as passed Senate (SR317ER)
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Bill Summary · SR 317

Summary — Senate Resolution 317 (SR 317)

Status: Resolution Adopted
Introduced: March 20, 2025
Classification: Senate resolution (ceremonial)
Primary Sponsors: Senators Clint Dixon, Drew Echols, Frank Ginn, Russ Goodman, Jason Anavitarte, Steve Gooch, Steve McClure (and listed co-sponsors/all senators)

SR 317 is a ceremonial Senate resolution adopted by the Illinois Senate that, in the text provided, contains two distinct commemorative/commendatory actions: (1) a memorial honoring the life of Jane Elisabeth (Shears) Emerson of Divernon, and (2) a recognition and commendation of the Brightside Forever Foundation.

1) Memorial for Jane E. Emerson — Purpose and key points

  • Purpose: To mourn the death of Jane Elisabeth (Shears) Emerson and extend the Senate’s condolences to her family, friends, and community.
  • Biographical details included:
    • Born April 2, 1940, in Springfield; graduated Divernon High School (1958).
    • Married Leonard Emerson on November 25, 1960.
    • Co-founded Emerson Press in 1968; longtime community resident of Divernon.
    • Served as organist at Divernon Presbyterian Church for over 65 years; served on the church board; secretary of the Divernon Public Library Board; lifetime member of the Divernon American Legion Auxiliary.
    • Survived by husband Leonard and five children (Melissa, Stephanie, Brett, Prentice, Erika), a brother Allan (Pat) Shears, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her parents.
  • Resolution action: Expresses mourning and directs that a suitable copy of the resolution be presented to the Emerson family.

2) Recognition of Brightside Forever Foundation — Purpose and key points

  • Purpose: To recognize and commend the Brightside Forever Foundation for work advancing inclusion and opportunities for individuals with special needs.
  • Key provisions of the resolution (commendatory, informational):
    • Notes the Foundation’s mission to empower individuals with special needs through advocacy, education, and programs that foster independence and belonging.
    • Highlights Brightside Cafe (Buford) as a job-creation model promoting inclusive employment and educating other employers.
    • Recognizes the Foundation’s financial support for individuals to attend specialized college programs and scholarships for students pursuing degrees in special education and related fields.
    • Acknowledges community outreach and events that build connections and awareness.
  • Resolution action: Commends the Foundation, extends best wishes, and directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide an appropriate copy of the resolution to the Brightside Forever Foundation.

Who is affected / impacted

  • Primarily ceremonial: the Emerson family and the Brightside Forever Foundation (public recognition).
  • Broader impact: community groups and advocates for inclusive employment and special education benefit from state recognition, which may raise public awareness and support.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Received by Secretary of the Senate: March 20, 2025
  • Read and adopted in the Senate: March 26, 2025 (Senate journal records a vote and enrollment)
  • Reported enrolled: March 26, 2025
  • Filed with Secretary (final filing): May 15, 2025; noted co-sponsorship by all senators and placement on Resolutions Consent Calendar before adoption.

Legal and fiscal effect

  • SR 317 is a non-binding, ceremonial resolution. It makes no changes to law, imposes no regulatory requirements, and contains no appropriations or fiscal commitments.

Note: The resolution text provided contains two separate ceremonial matters under the single SR 317 heading (a memorial and a commendation). Both are customary uses of Senate resolutions to honor individuals and organizations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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