SR0578 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0578 LRB103 35051 LAW 64999 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate wish to congratulate Mike Bass on the occasion of his retirement from the University of Illinois System; and

WHEREAS, Mike Bass received his bachelor's degree in political science and his Master of Business Administration, both from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC); during his time at UIUC, he earned membership on the All-Century football team and the 1980s All-Decade football team for the Fighting Illini; and

WHEREAS, Mike Bass had a long and successful career in service to the people of the State of Illinois; he served in the Governor's Office of Management and Budget, known then as the Bureau of the Budget; he then joined the Illinois Senate Republican staff, serving as a staffer on the Senate Appropriations Committee; he left to work as a budget director for the Illinois Department of Public Aid before returning to the Senate Republican Staff as the appropriations director, where he oversaw the appropriations staff and staffed the Senate Appropriations Committees; and

WHEREAS, During his decade as appropriations director, Mike Bass became known as one of the top experts on the state budget and state financial matters; his opinion on budget and policy matters was often sought by elected officials, legislative leaders, and governors; for most of his tenure, he served with the Illinois Senate majority and oversaw many budget negotiations and the drafting of multiple state budgets; and

WHEREAS, Mike Bass returned to the University of Illinois to serve as an executive in the administrative offices in 2001; during his career within the University of Illinois System, he served as a leader in the Office of Business and Financial Services organization, holding such positions as assistant vice president for External Affairs, executive assistant vice president for Operations and External Relations, executive assistant vice president for the Office of Business and Financial Services, senior associate vice president for Capital Programs and Real Estate Services, and the senior associate vice president for Business and Finance and Deputy Comptroller; for a brief time, he also served as the interim executive director designate for Governmental Relations, utilizing his vast experience in state government; and

WHEREAS, Mike Bass concluded his career within the University of Illinois System as the special advisor to the president and deputy comptroller; in this role, he also led procurement, diversity, and legislative initiatives; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of his career, Mike Bass was noted for his exemplary leadership in business and financial services, governmental relations, and procurement diversity, driving innovative solutions and systems to enhance the services and value of the University of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Mike Bass is an avid fan and supporter of all Illini sports and a long-time contributor and season ticket holder for basketball and football; and

WHEREAS, Above all, Mike Bass cherishes his roles of being a husband to his wife, Mona, and a father to his child, Tucker; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Mike Bass on his retirement from the University of Illinois System, thank him for his service to the State of Illinois and the University of Illinois, and wish him the best in his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Mike Bass as an expression of our esteem and respect.