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SR 355

MEMORIAL-LEONARD TOIA

104th Regular Session Introduced by Sara Feigenholtz

Ceremonial Illinois Senate resolution memorializes Leonard 'Ben' Toia and commends Latina Leads for empowering Latina girls; nonbinding, no funding or legal effect.

Resolution Adopted
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Bill Summary · SR 355

Summary — Senate Resolution 355 (SR 355)

Bill type: Senate Resolution
Bill number: SR 355
Title (as filed): MEMORIAL — LEONARD TOIA
Status: Resolution Adopted
Introduced: March 31, 2025
Sponsors: Senators Nabilah Islam Parkes, Josh McLaurin, Nan Orrock, Jason Esteves (primary)
Classification: Ceremonial / commemorative resolution (non‑binding)

Purpose and intent

SR 355 is a ceremonial resolution adopted by the Illinois Senate that (1) mourns the death of Leonard “Ben” Toia of Arlington Heights and extends condolences to his family and friends, and (2) recognizes and commends Latina Leads, an Atlanta‑based nonprofit that empowers Latina girls. The document combines two distinct commemorative recognitions in a single adopted resolution.

Key provisions and actions

  • Memorial for Leonard “Ben” Toia:

    • Records biographical details (born in Chicago to Salvatore and Josephine Toia; longtime husband of Sue Molinaro; father, grandfather, great‑grandfather, brother, uncle; U.S. Marine Corps veteran; career as printer and restaurateur — owner of Leona’s pizzeria).
    • Expresses the Senate’s sympathy and mourning for his passing (died April 5, 2025).
    • Directs that a suitable copy of the resolution be presented to his family as an expression of sympathy.

  • Recognition of Latina Leads:

    • Commends Latina Leads, an Atlanta nonprofit serving Latina girls ages 8–16 with programs in leadership, self‑esteem, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, values, and well‑being.
    • Notes organizational founders (Eli Dib Caiazzo and Maria Alejandra Bastidas) and program accomplishments: served more than 250 girls and families in the last year and over 400 girls in the past three years through workshops, summer camps, and conferences.
    • Praises the organization’s mentorship model and inclusive approach.
    • Directs the Secretary of the Senate to make an appropriate copy of the resolution available for distribution to Latina Leads.

Who is affected

  • Primarily ceremonial: the family and community of Leonard “Ben” Toia (for whom condolences and a copy of the resolution are directed).
  • Latina Leads (honored and to receive a copy of the resolution).
  • No direct legal, regulatory, or budgetary effects on state programs or funding.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced/Received by Secretary: March 31, 2025
  • Senate read and adopted: records show activity on March 10, 2025; March 31; and April 2, 2025 (Read & adopted; vote recorded; reported enrolled).
  • Filed with Secretary / Referred to Resolutions Consent Calendar / Co‑sponsored by all Senators: May 30, 2025
  • Final entry: Resolution Adopted — June 1, 2025

Effect

SR 355 is a nonbinding, commemorative resolution that recognizes individuals and an organization for honorific purposes only; it creates no enforceable rights, obligations, or appropriations.

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

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