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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

  
 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened 
3to learn of the death of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver 
4of the State of New Jersey; and
  
 
5    WHEREAS, Lt. Gov. Oliver was a pioneer and trailblazer in 
6public service, becoming the first Black woman to serve as 
7Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly and only the second 
8Black woman to lead any state legislature in the United 
9States; and
  
 
10    WHEREAS, After years of representing the communities of 
11North Jersey, Lt. Gov. Oliver was selected to be Phil Murphy's 
12running mate during the 2017 election for governor of New 
13Jersey; she was sworn in as lieutenant governor of New Jersey 
14in January 2018, becoming the first Black woman to serve in 
15that position in the state; she and Governor Murphy were 
16reelected in 2021; and
  
 
17    WHEREAS, At the time of her passing, Lt. Gov. Oliver was 
18serving as acting governor while Gov. Murphy was out of state; 
19and
  
 
20    WHEREAS, As a lawmaker, Lt. Gov. Oliver was noted for her 
21brilliance and fearlessness, approaching the legislative 
 
 
SR0499- 2 -LRB103 33383 LAW 63195 r

1process with thoughtful compassion; throughout her political 
2career, she remained committed to serving the people of New 
3Jersey, making tireless efforts to uplift the community while 
4always believing things could become better for individuals, 
5the community, and the State of New Jersey; and
  
 
6    WHEREAS, Lt. Gov. Oliver leaves behind a legacy of 
7dedication, service, and inspiration; she will be remembered 
8as an accomplished legislator and a cherished daughter, 
9sister, aunt, friend, and hero; therefore, be it
  
 
10    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL 
11ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of 
12Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver of the State of New 
13Jersey and extend our sincere condolences to her family, 
14friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further
  
 
15    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
16presented to the family of Lt. Gov. Oliver as an expression of 
17our deepest sympathy.