HR1049 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1049 LRB095 20310 KXB 47403 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to honor former State Representative Chuck Hartke, as he steps down as the Director of the Department of Agriculture on February 29; and

WHEREAS, Chuck Hartke, who spent more than 18 years as State Representative from the 108th District in the Illinois House of Representatives, and became director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture in 2003, is stepping down from his position to take care of family needs; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hartke has been active in public service for most of his life, first by valiantly serving his country in the United States Army from 1966 until 1968, including a tour in Vietnam; he served on the Effingham County Board from 1970 to 1974, was elected Secretary of the Democratic Central Committee in 1976, and was elected as Effingham County Democratic Central Committee Chairman from 1978 to 1985; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hartke, a former president of the Effingham County Pork Producers, served in the Illinois House of Representatives starting in 1985; he was confirmed by the Illinois Senate on May 16, 2003 to oversee the Illinois Department of Agriculture; and

WHEREAS, As Director, Mr. Hartke supported the expansion of livestock in the State, worked to expand the biofuels industry, including ethanol, biodiesel, and biomass, strengthened relations with foreign trading partners, supported specialty crop and diversified agriculture operations, and worked to protect the State food supply; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hartke promoted both the State and county fairs while serving as Director; he serves as president of the Midwest Association of State Departments of Agriculture and a board member of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hartke is active in his community, as a member of St. Francis Parish, the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Association of Retired Persons, the Farm Bureau, and the Farmer's Union; and

WHEREAS, His family is still actively involved in farming, with his son renting Mr. Hartke's 800-acre farm; Mr. Hartke, in his own words, plans to do something less strenuous, like being a professional golfer or a consultant; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we wish Chuck Hartke the best for both him and his family and thank him for his years of service to the people of the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Chuck Hartke as a symbol of our respect and esteem.