HR0745 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0745 LRB099 14108 GRL 38147 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Warren G. Murray Developmental Center in Centralia was built in 1964 to meet the needs of children faced with severe developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, There are currently 229 residents at Murray Center; over half of the residents have called Murray home for at least 20 years; and

WHEREAS, More than half of Murray Center residents have a dual diagnosis of a developmental disability and a mental illness; 45% of the Murray residents are non-ambulatory and many cannot express themselves verbally and understand very little of the world around them; medical issues are prevalent and complicate even further the labor intensive needs of these individuals, leaving some individuals completely dependent upon others for every need; and

WHEREAS, In 2012, it was announced that the Warren G. Murray Developmental Center would close its doors; thanks to the dedication and hard work from the Murray Parents Association, Friends of Murray Center, Illinois State Representative John Cavaletto, Illinois State Representative Charlie Meier, Illinois State Senator Kyle McCarter, Governor Bruce Rauner, and dozens of Illinois legislators, the Murray Center will remain open; and

WHEREAS, The Murray Center Coalition will be hosting a festival and parade on October 18, 2015 to celebrate Murray Center remaining open; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate October 18, 2015 as Murray Center Day in the State of Illinois to honor the residents living at the Warren G. Murray Developmental Center in Centralia; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the Murray Center Coalition, the Murray Parents Association, and Governor Bruce Rauner in recognition of Murray Center Day.