HR0468 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0468 LRB096 13063 AJO 27628 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, During these turbulent and difficult economic times, it is more important than ever that the concept of social justice, the view that every member of our society is deserving of equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities, be given the highest priority by elected State officials; and

WHEREAS, Assuring social justice is a key element of the Illinois Constitution as shown by the Preamble which states, in part, that "We, the People of the State of Illinois ... in order to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the people; maintain a representative and orderly government; eliminate poverty and inequality; assure legal, social and economic justice; provide opportunity for the fullest development of the individual; ... - do ordain and establish this Constitution for the State of Illinois"; and

WHEREAS, Our American ideals recognize the value and importance of the equality of opportunity; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing that when justice is achieved in every aspect of society, rather than merely in the administration of law, individuals and groups will be afforded fair treatment and an impartial share of the benefits of society; and

WHEREAS, It is proper for us to consider how we, as a State, treat the most vulnerable among us and how our decisions will affect those most in need of equal opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Differences of gender, race, ethnicity, age, disability, health, religion, economic condition, or class should not stand in the way of equal opportunities in education, health care, or employment; and

WHEREAS, The inequality of educational opportunities in Illinois is well known and thoroughly described in studies, test results, and statistics assembled by the State Board of Education; and

WHEREAS, The toll of violence, the troublesome number of school dropouts, and the loss of life, hope, and opportunity extracted from the victims of violence and the lives of our school drop-outs tear at our communities; and

WHEREAS, Disparities in the availability and quality of healthcare throughout Illinois highlight the lack of equal opportunities for those in need of health care; and

WHEREAS, Rising unemployment in all sectors of our economy and the human price paid by communities that experience high unemployment rates make it more important than ever that there truly be equal opportunities in all phases of employment; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that the House, as a body, will endeavor to give a high priority to social justice and allow that important principle to direct our choices in matters both large and small and guide our decisions in matters temporary or permanent; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to each member of the House so that it may serve as a tangible reminder of the commitment each member has to this noble priority.