HR0512 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0512 LRB102 20944 LAW 29836 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate the Murray Parents Association on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, The Murray Parents Association was founded in October 1971; and

WHEREAS, As part of its mission, the Murray Parents Association members work to promote the general welfare of the residents of the Murray Center and foster the development of programs on their behalf; and

WHEREAS, The Murray Parents Association advises and aids parents in finding solutions to their problems as well as helps to coordinate their efforts and activities; and

WHEREAS, The Murray Parents Association encourages research and actively works to help the public gain a better understanding of the problems associated with developmental disabilities, as the association serves as a clearinghouse for gathering and disseminating information and cooperating with the public, with private and religious agencies, and with professional groups; and

WHEREAS, There are 252 residents at the Murray Center, and over half of these residents have called Murray home for at least 20 years; and

WHEREAS, These individuals have many complex needs that are well met by the Murray Center staff; more than half have a dual diagnosis of a developmental disability and a mental illness; serious behavioral issues are well managed at the Murray Center; and

WHEREAS, Nearly half, approximately 45%, of the Murray Center residents are non-ambulatory; 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; some residents are completely dependent on others for every need; and

WHEREAS, The 24-hour nursing care provided at the Murray Center is essential to the well-being of many of its residents; and

WHEREAS, When then-Governor Quinn announced plans to close the Murray Center in 2012, his attempts were unsuccessful as a result of the efforts made by the Murray Parents Association; and

WHEREAS, Since that time, the Murray Parents Association has continued to work tirelessly to help others understand the value and importance of the Murray Center; and

WHEREAS, For 50 years, the Murray Parents Association members have volunteered their time to promote the general welfare of the residents of the Murray Center and foster the development of programs on their behalf; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Murray Parents Association on its 50th anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Murray Parents Association on its 50th anniversary as an expression of our esteem and respect.