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SR 297

MEMORIAL-KENNETH KAISER

104th Regular Session Introduced by Neil Anderson

SR 297 adopts ceremonial resolutions honoring Kenneth Kaiser (memorial) and Sgt. Mary L. Clements (commendation); non-binding, no policy impact, copies to families.

Resolution Adopted
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Bill Summary · SR 297

Summary — SR 297 (Resolution Adopted)

Overview

SR 297 is a ceremonial Senate resolution adopted in 2025. The materials provided appear to contain text from two separate resolutions that were merged in error:

  • A memorial resolution honoring the life of Kenneth “Ken” Kaiser of Taylor Ridge (born June 30, 1930; died April 3, 2025).
  • A commendatory resolution recognizing Sergeant (Ret.) Mary L. Clements for her military service and community leadership.

Both texts are non‑binding, ceremonial resolutions that express the sentiment of the Senate but do not create legal obligations or appropriations.

Key provisions and content

Memorial — Kenneth “Ken” Kaiser

  • Expresses the Senate’s condolences on the death of Kenneth Kaiser.
  • Summarizes his life: born June 30, 1930; Moline High School graduate (1949); five years with the National Guard 223rd Field Artillery; served as a mess sergeant and attended regular army school at Fort Sheridan; married Carol Irene on April 10, 1954.
  • Career highlights: early jobs (coal delivery, Whitey’s Ice Cream), lineman for Iowa Illinois Gas & Electric (MidAmerican Energy), and owner/operator of Edgington Food and Locker for 45 years.
  • Personal/community details: active in church, Masonic Lodge (23rd degree), family activities; preceded in death by wife Carol and several siblings; survived by children, grandchild, great‑grandchildren, and extended family.
  • Directs that a suitable copy of the resolution be presented to Mr. Kaiser’s family.

Commendation — Sergeant (Ret.) Mary L. Clements

  • Recognizes Clements’ U.S. Army service and leadership, including service during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
  • Notes awards (Army Commendation Medal) and specific contributions (establishing a mailroom and secure storage area that improved morale).
  • Biographical highlights: native of Eatonton, GA; first in family to graduate high school and college; enlisted December 1981; earned a B.S. in psychology and an A.S. in physical education.
  • Documents over 30 years of mentoring and youth service, volunteer hours, and active veteran advocacy roles (e.g., Atlanta Metro Chapter of the National Association of Black Military Women, Disabled American Veterans, VFW).
  • Directs the Secretary of the Senate to make an appropriate copy of the resolution available for distribution to Sgt. Clements.

Who is affected

  • Kenneth Kaiser’s immediate and extended family, friends, and community in Taylor Ridge/Edgington.
  • Mary L. Clements and organizations she serves; recognition benefits her public profile and veteran‑advocacy groups.
  • No regulatory, fiscal, or administrative impacts on state government beyond routine clerical actions (preparing and presenting copies).

Procedural / Timeline notes

  • Introduced: March 18, 2025 (record indicates received by Secretary of the Senate that day).
  • Read & Adopted / Vote recorded: March 24, 2025 (also earlier entries list February 28, 2025 — see below).
  • Reported enrolled and filed with Secretary: March–May 2025 (entries list filing May 7 and adopted May 8).
  • Co‑sponsored by all senators (entry dated May 7).
  • The record contains chronological inconsistencies (e.g., a February 28 “Read and Adopted” entry predating introduction on March 18). It also mixes two distinct resolution texts under the single bill number.

Notes / Observations

  • SR 297, as presented, appears to conflate two separate ceremonial resolutions. Both are symbolic recognitions: one a memorial (Kaiser) and one a commendation (Clements). Neither creates enforceable policy or funding. Copies of the adopted resolution(s) are to be provided to the honored individuals or the family.

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

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