HR0459 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0459 LRB102 20088 MST 28936 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Jessica Basham on her two decades of service to the people of Illinois, as a Research Analyst, Director of Research & Appropriations, and Chief of Staff to House Speakers Michael J. Madigan and Emanuel "Chris" Welch; and

WHEREAS, Jessica Basham's steady leadership, collegiality, and expertise have immeasurably enhanced the House Democratic Staff and allowed the House Democratic Caucus, the House of Representatives, and the State of Illinois to adapt to address many challenges; and

WHEREAS, While serving as the lead staffer responsible for working with the House Revenue & Finance Committee, Jessica Basham's expertise on state finance, taxation, gaming, and more proved invaluable to legislators and fellow staff; when federal funds became available to help Illinois weather the Great Recession, she took charge of navigating the many regulations and requirements accompanying that funding, developing an understanding that not only helped people throughout Illinois through a financially perilous time but also would again prove critical in responsibly managing federal American Rescue Plan Act funds during the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, Jessica Basham served as Director of the House Democratic Research & Appropriations Unit, where her leadership proved instrumental in navigating one of the most difficult times in Illinois' financial history; working with legislators from both sides of the aisle, she and her team helped craft the bipartisan budget and revenue package that ended a period of more than 700 days without a full state budget and began the process of restoring fiscal health to the State; and

WHEREAS, Even while facing unprecedented challenges, Jessica Basham took time to develop and mentor young professionals beginning their careers with the House Democratic staff; dozens of Research & Appropriations staffers learned from her how to succeed at their job, how to write the in-depth and understandable bill analyses House members use to summarize complex issues, and how to identify blind spots and navigate difficult situations; and

WHEREAS, Jessica Basham became Chief of Staff to the House Speaker in June 2018, becoming the first woman in Illinois history to serve in such a role; she undertook a multifaceted effort to update and improve the operations of the House Democratic staff, creating the unit's first Human Resources Department, expanding recruitment, training, and onboarding practices, and ensuring all staff feel respected and appreciated in the workplace; and

WHEREAS, Legislators on both sides of the aisle have come to appreciate Jessica Basham's integrity and accessibility as she has worked to improve communication, act on feedback, and help members achieve their goals; and

WHEREAS, Jessica Basham's experience and leadership have facilitated the historic transition to the first new House Speaker in a generation; as Chief of Staff to Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch, she continued to improve and modernize the operation of the House Democratic Caucus and staff while maintaining the key elements of its success; and

WHEREAS, Jessica Basham concluded her service as Chief of Staff in June 2021 with a stronger and more diverse House Democratic Staff and a state budget that has restored Illinois' fiscal health and led to the first credit upgrades in a generation; and

WHEREAS, The members of the House Democratic Staff for whom Jessica Basham has been a friend and mentor and the lawmakers for whom she has been a resource and advocate are all grateful for her dedication, her poise, and her commitment to others; and

WHEREAS, In addition to a career dedicated to service, Jessica Basham is a caring daughter, sister, and stepmother and a proud new grandparent along with her partner John Lowder; and

WHEREAS, Those who have worked alongside Jessica Basham have also seen her many passions, including hiking, art, visiting the National Parks, an abiding love for her two cats, Lewis and Clark, and the music of Metallica; and

WHEREAS, Jessica Basham's hard work and tireless commitment to those around her helped to make the work of this chamber possible, and her lasting contributions will continue to be appreciated by those with whom she has worked; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend Jessica Basham for her service to the House of Representatives and the State of Illinois as a Research Analyst, Director of Research & Appropriations, and Chief of Staff and wish her the best in all future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Jessica Basham as a symbol of our esteem and respect.