HR0312 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0312 LRB104 13506 ECR 25965 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to thank and congratulate Henry Harms for 40 years of service to the State of Illinois, including the past 27 years as Fiscal Officer for the Office of the Speaker; and

WHEREAS, Henry Harms began working for the State of Illinois as a high school student through the Illinois Government Youth program in 1983; his official employment began when he started working for State Representative Michael D. Curran before transferring to work for the Speaker of the House; and

WHEREAS, Henry Harms then accepted a position in the House of Representatives copy and file room, often staying at work until as late as 4 a.m. on session days; and

WHEREAS, Henry Harms joined the House Fiscal Unit under then-Fiscal Officer Shirley McCombs in 1996 before taking over as House Fiscal Officer in 1998, a role he has continued to fulfill ever since; and

WHEREAS, For 27 years, Henry Harms' hard work, unfailing professionalism, and tireless attention to detail made it possible for generations of House staff to have received reliable and timely payroll and benefits; and

WHEREAS, Henry Harms has not only served with character and effectiveness in all these roles but has also raised a family while doing so; and

WHEREAS, The Harms family, including Henry's wife of 39 years, Terri, his adult children, Abby Bretz, Kaitlyn Harms, and Molly Harms, his son-in-law, Kyle Bretz, and his grandchildren, Lilly and Sam Bretz, have also played an important role in his success through their love and support; and

WHEREAS, Henry Harms' 40 years of service to the Illinois House of Representatives and the people whose voices it represents is an uncommon act of public service that is both commendable and praiseworthy and has earned him the deep and abiding gratitude of the body; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we thank and congratulate Henry Harms as he marks 40 years of service to the State of Illinois, the General Assembly thereof, and the people of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we wish Henry Harms and his family continued success and happiness for as long as he may decide to continue serving the people of Illinois and thereafter; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Henry Harms as an expression of our gratitude, esteem, and great respect.