District Update - February 9, 2018

District Update February 9, 2018 House takes moment of silence in honor of George Shadid Before the House of Representatives on Tuesday we held a moment of silence in honor of George Shadid. Peoria lost one of its most notable icons with the passing of George. Generations of Peorians remember him well for his gregarious personality and dedication to public service. Many will recall his advocacy for school consolidation--one of his many bits of wisdom that still holds true today. I have no doubt that George will continue to be well-remembered for years to come, and very sorely missed. George P. Shadid 1929-2018 George P. Shadid, 88, of Peoria, IL, passed peacefully at 1:37 a.m. on Saturday, February 3, 2018, with his family at his side. George was born on May 15, 1929, in Clinton, IA, to Edna Massad Shadid and Philip A. Shadid, the first generation of proud Lebanese immigrants. He married Lorraine K. Unes on May 30, 1953. Lorraine survives. Also surviving are his son, James (Jane) Shadid; daughter-in-law, Mikie Shadid; and four grandchildren, James E. (Anne) Shadid, Joseph G. Shadid, Margaret L. Shadid and Lauren E. Shadid; as well as his sister Pauline Unes; and brother, Fred (Jean) Shadid.  His son, George P. Shadid Jr., preceded him in death, along with his siblings, Gladys Abraham, Louise Shadid, Joan Petit, Jeannette Harris, Mitchell Shadid and William Shadid. George was a Peoria Police Officer from 1953 to 1976, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. He was the Peoria County Sheriff from 1976 to 1993 and was a State Senator from the 46th District of Illinois from 1993 to 2006. From 1997 to 2004, while in the Illinois State Senate, his seatmate was then State Senator, Barack Obama. They became lifelong friends. George used all the gifts God gave him to be a good husband and father, all the while helping countless others as a selfless public servant. George lived a good, long life. He helped many people. He, like all his brothers and sisters, did their family name proud. He could pass peacefully with no regrets. Memorials may be made to the Easter Seals Autism Unit, The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Peoria or the George P. Shadid Jr. Memorial Scholarship at Bradley University. The family expresses their thanks to the staff at Heartis Village and Elysian Hospice for their comfort and care for George in his final days. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences here. Visited with The Center for Prevention Abuse on Thursday I had a great visit on Thursday afternoon with leaders from the The Center for Prevention of Abuse. They recently launched a new program to address the very serious and troubling problem of Human Trafficking in Central Illinois. Part of their objective in combating these crimes is to raise awareness throughout the community, and I believe there is something that each and all of us can do to help.  For my part, I was proud to promptly sponsor a resolution in the House recognizing the Center for their efforts. I will remain a committed advocate and partner in their work to insure that ALL people have the opportunity to live a life free of violence and abuse. Monthly grant alerts The Illinois General Assembly Legislative Research Unit provides a monthly grant alert update. Enclosed is a list of available grants and deadlines for applications. You may view February's grant alert here. Online grant training If you are a not for profit or government agency. The Illinois Department of Human Services, Office of Grants Administration provides free grant writing training.  Enrollees will learn how to find, write and submit proposals for federal, state, local, non-governmental, and private sector grants. If you want to learn the essentials of writing and acquiring grants, this three part series will help your agency. For more information and/or to register for online grant training, click here. All smiles at the 'Give Kids A Smile' event in Peoria Last Friday I stopped by the "Give Kids A Smile" event hosted by the Peoria Dental Society at Crittenton Centers. This event provides routine services, including dental screenings, cleanings, and fluoride treatments by area dentists who donate their time for underserved children. It is always a rewarding event. Thank you to all the dentists, dental students, and all of those who helped organize the day. NFIB celebrates 75th Anniversary On Wednesday the House of Representatives recognized the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) as it celebrates its 75th anniversary. NFIB has been helping small business owners to promote and protect their right to own, operate, and grow their businesses since May 20, 1943. Today, the National Federation of Independent Business represents nearly 11,000 small businesses in Illinois and is the leading advocate for small business owners. Congratulations are in order for NFIB on celebrating 75 years. Thank you for representing the interests of small businesses in Illinois. House returns Feb. 13 The Illinois of Representatives returns to session Februrary 13th-15th. You may view or listen to session live at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 13 here.