COMMENDS-RICHARD KWASNESKI

104th Regular Session Introduced by Meg Loughran Cappel and 3 co-sponsors

The resolution commends Richard Kwasneski for nearly two decades leading Pace and advancing suburban transit innovation and regional infrastructure across six Chicago-area counties

Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Cristina Castro

Summary of SR0811 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Purpose and Intent

SR0811 is a Senate Resolution recognizing and commending Richard Kwasneski for his years of service as a member and long-time chairman of the Pace Board of Directors.

The resolution highlights his leadership, advocacy for Pace and regional transit, and his notable contributions to Illinois’ suburban transit initiatives.

Key Provisions and Changes

Formal commendation: The resolution states that the Illinois Senate commends Richard Kwasneski for his service.

Recognition of tenure: It notes that Kwasneski was appointed to the Pace Board of Directors on August 28, 2002, became chairman on December 7, 2006, and served as chair for nearly 20 years, receiving reappointments from multiple counties (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will) for five consecutive terms.

Accomplishments cited:

Advocacy for Pace and regional transit, contributing to Pace’s recognition for innovation in mobility across a six-county region.
Implementation of programs benefitting suburban riders, such as:
Bus on Shoulder (I-55 and I-94)
Flex Lane Express Service (I-90)
Pulse Rapid Transit
On Demand and VanGo services
Securing substantial infrastructure investment through the Rebuild Illinois Program, including:
Garages in Plainfield, Elgin, Wheeling, and Bridgeview
Passenger facilities in Joliet, Schaumburg, and Harvey
ADA paratransit technology

Tone and outcome: The resolution is ceremonial, aimed at expressing esteem and gratitude rather than creating binding policy or funding changes.

Who/What Would Be Affected

Primary beneficiary: Richard Kwasneski, receiving formal recognition from the Illinois Senate.

Broader impact: The resolution acknowledges the positive impact of his leadership on Pace (the suburban transit system serving the Chicago region) and regional mobility initiatives. While not altering law or funding, it may influence public perception and institutional memory of Pace governance.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction and sponsorship: The bill lists sponsors and co-sponsors (Patrick Joyce, John Curran, Meg Loughran Cappel, Cristina Castro).

Legislative vehicle: It is a Senate Resolution (SR), a formal expression of the Senate's sentiments rather than a bill proposing new laws.

No fiscal or regulatory changes: As a resolution, it does not establish or modify statutes, budgets, or program authorities; there are no timelines for implementation beyond the historical dates cited (appointment in 2002, chairmanship in 2006, nearly 20 years of service).

Summary in One Line

SR0811 is a ceremonial Illinois Senate resolution commending Richard Kwasneski for his nearly two decades of leadership on Pace’s Board of Directors and his contributions to suburban transit innovation and infrastructure in the six-county Chicago region.