HR0206 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0206 LRB104 12756 MST 23912 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate United Congregations of Metro-East for 25 years of dedicated service, advocacy, and leadership in the pursuit of justice, equity, and community empowerment; and

WHEREAS, United Congregations of Metro-East was established in 2000 with six church members and has since grown into a diverse, multicultural congregation that welcomes individuals of all faiths, ethnic backgrounds, and economic classes in southwestern Illinois; and

WHEREAS, UCM has been a steadfast advocate for social and environmental justice, working to create equitable opportunities and improve the quality of life for marginalized communities; and

WHEREAS, UCM has played a pivotal role in advancing legislative and policy initiatives, including:

(1) Supporting the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker in September 2021, which sets a path to 100 percent carbon-free energy by 2045 and prioritizes equity and workforce development;

(2) Advocating for Debt Free Justice, the only national campaign dedicated to eliminating fees and fines in the juvenile justice system;

(3) Championing the Pre-Trial Fairness Act, making Illinois the first state to eliminate cash bail and ensuring a fairer justice system; and

(4) Supporting the establishment of the Madison County Mental Health Court, providing critical resources for individuals in need of mental health interventions; and

WHEREAS, UCM has made significant contributions to environmental justice, including:

(1) Conducting air quality research in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assess pollution levels in East St. Louis and highlight disparities affecting marginalized communities; and

(2) Establishing a central hub for environmental justice, bringing together community members, organizations, and policymakers to advocate for racial equity and environmental protection; and

WHEREAS, UCM has achieved several notable accomplishments throughout its history, including:

(1) Educational Initiatives: Playing a key role in the establishment of the first charter school in Madison County, expanding educational opportunities for local students;

(2) Environmental Advocacy: Partnering with the Sierra Club to help Alton become the first "Cool City" in the Metro-East area, demonstrating leadership in sustainability;

(3) Community Health Efforts: Raising funds for drug treatment and rehabilitation centers to address critical public health needs; and

(4) Economic Development: Collaborating with various agencies to provide employment and training for local contractors, fostering job creation and economic stability; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of its leadership and impact, UCM, in partnership with Madison County Planning & Development's Green Schools Program and St. Louis University, was awarded the Outstanding Local Government Achievement (OLGA) Award by the East-West Gateway Council of Governments for its project, A Visual Approach to Educating a Community on Air Quality; and

WHEREAS, As UCM commemorates its 25th anniversary, it remains committed to uniting faith, community, and power to create lasting and meaningful change in the Metro-East region; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that congratulate United Congregations of Metro-East for 25 years of dedicated service, advocacy, and leadership in the pursuit of justice, equity, and community empowerment; and be it further

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