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SR 317

MEMORIAL-JANE E. EMERSON

104th Regular Session Introduced by Steve McClure

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

Resolution Adopted
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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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