Bill
SR 314
SR 314 memorializes Steven T. Slemer with Senate condolences to his family and honors Col. (Ret.) Laurie Brasher's 26 years of service;a symbolic, nonbinding ceremonial record.
Status: Resolution Adopted
Introduced: March 20, 2025
Final actions: Read & adopted March 26, 2025; Filed with Secretary May 15, 2025; Resolution Adopted (also noted May 15, 2025)
Primary sponsors: RaShaun Kemp, Kenya Wicks, Donzella James, Randal Mangham, Harold Jones II, Tonya Anderson, Gail Davenport, Michael “Doc” Rhett, Erica Harriss (and subsequently co‑sponsored by all senators)
Purpose and intent
- SR 314 is a ceremonial Senate resolution that primarily memorializes the life and public service of Steven Terry “Steve” Slemer of Glen Carbon, Illinois, who died April 19, 2025. The resolution expresses the Illinois Senate’s condolences to his family, friends, and community.
- The enrolled text as published also contains separate commendatory language recognizing Colonel (Ret.) Laurie Vernita Monsegue Brasher for her 26 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army. This appears to be a second, distinct recognition included in the same enrolled document.
Key provisions and content
- Memorial for Steven T. Slemer:
- States Slemer’s birth (November 23, 1959, Highland, IL), death (April 19, 2025), family background, and community roles.
- Notes his service as a third‑generation member of the Glen Carbon Fire Department (badge pinned in 1979), over 30 years at Wood River Refinery (Emergency Response Team), receipt of a Red Cross Lifesaving Award, election as a trustee for the Village of Glen Carbon, parish membership at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, and leadership in the Czechoslovak Society of America (Svobodny Rolnik Chapter, Lodge 26).
- Mentions personal interests (hunting, fishing, gardening, beekeeping — member of Illinois State Beekeepers Association), character attributes (generosity, handyman skills), and family survivors (daughters Terri and Crystal, two grandsons, multiple siblings, in‑laws, cousins, friends).
- Resolves that the Senate mourns his passing and directs a suitable copy of the resolution be presented to his family.
- Commendation for Colonel (Ret.) Laurie Brasher:
- Recites Brasher’s military career highlights (commissioned 1978 via ROTC at Hofstra University; assignments in Germany, Pittsburgh MEPS, Indianapolis, ROTC instructor at North Carolina A&T, USARC in Atlanta, personnel roles in Chicago and St. Louis; retired 2004).
- Notes post‑service community involvement (National Association of Black Military Women roles).
- Resolves to recognize and commend her service and authorize an appropriate copy of the resolution for distribution.
Who or what is affected
- Directly affected are the family and community of Steven Slemer (receipt of formal condolences and an official memorial record) and Colonel Brasher (formal commendation and an official copy of the resolution).
- As a resolution, SR 314 does not create new legal obligations, appropriations, or changes in law; its effect is symbolic and record‑keeping.
Procedural notes and timeline
- Received by Secretary of the Senate: March 20, 2025.
- Read and adopted in Senate: March 26, 2025 (vote recorded in journal).
- Reported enrolled: March 26, 2025.
- Filed with Secretary: May 15, 2025; co‑sponsored by all senators and placed on the Resolutions Consent Calendar before final adoption on May 15, 2025.
- The enrolled text contains two distinct recognitions within the same resolution document; this likely reflects consolidation of two ceremonial actions into one enrolled SR 314 document rather than any substantive legislative combination.
Overall impact
- SR 314 serves as a formal, nonbinding expression of sympathy for the passing of Steven T. Slemer and as a formal commendation of Colonel (Ret.) Laurie Brasher’s military service. Its primary function is ceremonial recognition and providing an official record and copy to the individuals and families named.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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