HR0508 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0508 LRB101 14130 ALS 62997 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Rotary International is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who unite and take action to create lasting change in communities across the globe; and

WHEREAS, The Rotary's motto, Service Above Self, inspires members to provide humanitarian service, follow high ethical standards, and promote goodwill and peace in the world; and

WHEREAS, In 1985, Rotary launched PolioPlus to immunize the children of the world against polio; in 1988, the organization helped establish the Global Polio Eradication Initiative; partners in this initiative include the World Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Since 1988, polio cases have dropped by 99.9 percent, and the world stands on the threshold of eradicating the disease; and

WHEREAS, Rotary is working to raise an additional $50 million per year, which would be leveraged for maximum impact by an additional $100 million annually from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; and

WHEREAS, These efforts are providing much-needed operational support, medical staff, laboratory equipment, and educational materials for health workers and parents; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Rotary has played a major role in decisions by government partners to contribute more than $8 billion to the effort; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the State, there are over 11,700 Rotarians in more than 330 clubs that sponsor service projects to address critical issues in their local communities and abroad, including poverty, disease, hunger, illiteracy, and the environment; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare October 24, 2019 as World Polio Day in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, that suitable copies of this resolution be presented to Rotary International as an expression of our esteem and respect.