Bill Text: IL HR0956 | 2025-2026 | 104th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Commends Dr. Ronald "Ron" Perlman for his extraordinary lifetime of leadership, advocacy, mentorship, educational service, and enduring contributions to the people and communities of the State of Illinois and thanks him for his lasting impact on generations of educators, administrators, students, families, and community leaders.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)

Status: (Passed) 2026-05-30 - Resolution Adopted [HR0956 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2025-HR0956-Introduced.html

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HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
Representatives wish to commend Dr. Ronald "Ron" Perlman for
his extraordinary lifetime of leadership, advocacy,
mentorship, educational service, and enduring contributions to
the people and communities of the State of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman is the founder and retired president
of The Center: Resources for Teaching and Learning, an
institution that, under his visionary leadership, became one
of Illinois' leading organizations dedicated to educator
professional development, bilingual education, multilingual
learning, family engagement, and statewide professional
advancement; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman has faithfully led The Center for 53
years until his retirement as president on June 30, 2025,
dedicating his professional life to strengthening educational
systems and expanding opportunities for educators, students,
and families throughout the State of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman, through his advocacy, leadership,
and direct work in educational policy, has helped shape and
strengthen Illinois' educational landscape, particularly in
the areas of bilingual education, multicultural learning,

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English language learner support, language access, educational
equity, and educator training; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman is widely recognized for his
involvement in developing the original Transitional Bilingual
Education (TBE) Act in the mid-1970s and helping shape
bilingual education policy across the State; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman dedicated his career to building the
infrastructure required to make the Transitional Bilingual
Education Act successful; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman was instrumental in developing and
leading several of Illinois' most recognized and impactful
educational conferences and statewide learning initiatives,
including the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation
Conference, the English as a Second Language Conference, the
Bilingual Parent Conference, and The Every Student Succeeds
Act (ESSA) Conference, all of which strengthened professional
learning, family engagement, advocacy, and educational
collaboration across the State of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman, through these conferences,
trainings, partnerships, and statewide initiatives, created
spaces where educators, administrators, policymakers, parents,
and community leaders could come together to advance

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educational opportunity, strengthen communities, and improve
outcomes for future generations; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman served as a mentor, advisor, and
source of inspiration to hundreds of educators,
administrators, and educational leaders throughout Illinois,
many of whom continue to carry forward his enduring commitment
to educational excellence, leadership, and public service; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman's leadership reflected a profound
belief that education is one of the most transformative forces
in society and that investing in educators, families, and
communities strengthens not only schools but also the future
of the State of Illinois itself; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman, throughout his distinguished life
and career, has exemplified integrity, compassion,
professionalism, humility, collaboration, and an unwavering
dedication to educational advancement and public service; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman, beyond his extraordinary
professional accomplishments, has shared a life grounded in
love, partnership, and family alongside his beloved wife,
Lori, whose support and companionship have been an enduring
part of his remarkable journey of leadership and service; and

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WHEREAS, Dr. Perlman's legacy continues through the
institution he founded, the educational systems he helped
strengthen, the policies he helped influence, the leaders he
mentored, and the countless educators, students, families, and
communities whose lives have been positively transformed
through his vision and commitment; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
we commend Dr. Ronald "Ron" Perlman for his extraordinary
lifetime of leadership, advocacy, mentorship, educational
service, and enduring contributions to the people and
communities of the State of Illinois; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we thank Dr. Perlman for his lasting impact
on generations of educators, administrators, students,
families, and community leaders across the State of Illinois;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
presented Dr. Perlman as an expression of our esteem and
respect.