RYAN APPROVES LEGISLATION SUPPORTING WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL; STATE FIRE FIGHTERS MEMORIAL FUND

SPRINGFIELD - Governor George H. Ryan today approved legislation supporting the construction of a proposed National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Under the provisions of Senate Bill 1780, Illinois will contribute $987,000 toward the $100 million memorial to be built at the east end of the Reflecting Pool between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Those funds represent approximately $1 for every Illinois World War II veteran. Illinois' contribution coincides with actions taken by other states to fulfill a nationwide request from the American Battle Monuments Commission.

"The National World War II Memorial is a fitting tribute to the men and women who bravely served this nation not only overseas, but on the home front as well," Ryan said. "Through this legislation, Illinois is doing its part to further this worthy project."

Ryan also signed both House Bill 2899 and Senate Bill 1277 which create a National Word War II Memorial Fund to be supported through a income tax check-off that will appear on the IL-1040 tax form. The legislation will enable Illinois citizens to voluntarily donate to the National World War II Memorial Fund.

Senate Bill 1780, which has an immediate effective date, was sponsored by Senators James "Pate" Philip, R-Wood Dale; Stan Weaver, R-Urbana; John Maitland, R-Bloomington; and Louis Viverito, D-Burbank; and Representatives Patricia Bellock, R-Hinsdale; Eileen Lyons, R-Western Springs; Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro; Michael McAuliffe, R-Chicago; and Mike Boland, D-East Moline.

House Bill 2899, which takes effect January 1, 2001, was sponsored by Senators Adeline Geo-Karis, R-Zion and Dick Klemm, R-Crystal Lake, and Representatives Patricia Bellock, R-Hinsdale; Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro; John O. Jones, R, Mount Vernon; William O'Connor, R-Riverside; and Mike Boland, D-East Moline.

Sponsors of Senate Bill 1277, which takes effect January 1, 2001, include Senators James "Pate" Philip, R-Wood Dale; John Maitland, R-Bloomington; Denny Jacobs, D-East Moline; Adeline Geo-Karis, R-Zion; and Emil Jones, D-Chicago. House sponsors were Representatives Patricia Bellock, R-Hinsdale; Ron Stephens, R-Troy; ; Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro; John O. Jones, R, Mount Vernon; and Bill Black, R-Danville.

House Bill 2870, also approved today by Ryan, expands the potential uses of funds contained in the Illinois Fire Fighters' Memorial Fund. The Fire Fighters' Memorial Fund, originally created in 1996 to finance the design and construction of the Fire Fighters' Memorial now located on the grounds of the State Capitol complex, is supported through the issuance and renewal of fire fighters' specialty license plates.

Under the provisions of House Bill 2870, those funds will now be used to sponsor an annual ceremony of recognition and to provide scholarships for children of fire fighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Sponsors of House Bill 2870, which takes effect immediately, were Senators Walter Dudycz, R-Chicago and Vince Demuzio, D-Carlinville and Representatives Ralph Capparelli, D-Chicago; Skip Saviano, R-Elmwood Park; Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro; Anne Zickus, R- Palos Hills; and Robert Bugielski, D-Chicago.