Bill Text: IL HR0657 | 2025-2026 | 104th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Commends Dr. Jo Ann Roberts for her extraordinary leadership, lifelong service, and instrumental role in advancing the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Law.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)

Status: (Passed) 2026-02-17 - Resolution Adopted [HR0657 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2025-HR0657-Introduced.html

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HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
Representatives wish to commend Dr. Jo Ann Roberts for her
instrumental role in advancing the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.
Young Voter Empowerment Law; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. has dedicated his
life to advancing civil rights, social justice, and civic
engagement, with a steadfast belief that young people must be
educated, empowered, and included in the democratic process;
and
WHEREAS, Dr. Roberts has worked alongside Rev. Jackson for
more than fifty years, standing with him in service, advocacy,
and leadership and remaining deeply committed to the
principles of justice, equity, and democratic participation;
and
WHEREAS, Through decades of unwavering dedication, Dr.
Roberts has played a critical role in preserving and advancing
Rev. Jackson's vision, ensuring that his lifelong commitment
to youth empowerment and civic engagement continues to thrive;
and
WHEREAS, Dr. Roberts formed a coalition comprised of

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Devorah Crable of Know Your Power: Vote, Letina Brady Pettis
of Get Out the Vote 4 Teens, Betty Magness of the Rainbow Push
Coalition, and Frederique Desrosiers, policy and advocacy
director at Chicago Votes; the coalition met with Senator
Robert Peters, who agreed to sponsor the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson
Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Law; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Roberts was instrumental in advancing the
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Law, helping
to move this historic legislation forward and ensuring that
young people are intentionally seated at the table where
decisions are made; and
WHEREAS, This law reflects Rev. Jackson's belief that
democracy is strengthened when youth voices are heard,
respected, and prepared to participate fully in the democratic
process; and
WHEREAS, Through her leadership, Dr. Roberts has honored
Rev. Jackson's wishes by championing civic education, voter
engagement, and youth leadership development, ensuring that
teens learn the democratic process, understand the power of
their voices, and recognize the importance of voting;
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE

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HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
we commend Dr. Jo Ann Roberts for her extraordinary
leadership, lifelong service, and instrumental role in
advancing the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Young Voter
Empowerment Law by empowering youth, amplifying their voices,
and preparing the next generation to lead through informed
civic participation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
presented to Dr. Roberts as an expression of our esteem and
respect.