Peoria Standard

State Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) commented on Illinois Statehood Day in a Facebook post published Dec. 3.

"Today we celebrate Illinois Statehood Day," Butler wrote. "We are a grand state which has helped lead this Nation for over two centuries. On December 3, 1818, as President James Monroe signed the Congressional resolution which made Illinois the 21st star on Old Glory, I'm sure he was not envisioning what this new, western state would be like 204 years later."

"On this Illinois Statehood Day,  I urge all of us to learn more about our history, to take pride in what has made us a leader among states, to recommit ourselves to finding those answers which will drive this state forward positively, and to find ways to bring us together as Illinoisans," he continued. "Across all corners of this state -- from Scales Mound to Mound City; from Paris to Warsaw -- we have much to take pride in and we have much more that unites us than divides us. We also have much, much work to do. My family has lived in Illinois every day we have been a state.  I'm not going anywhere.  I want to make us better. I want to work so future generations of Illinoisans have a brighter tomorrow. Just like my ancestors have done for me. State Sovereignty National Union. That is our motto. Illinois is a strong state which has made our Union stronger. Let's keep it that way. Happy 204th birthday Illinois!"

Public Act 100-0898, which regards Illinois' statehood and went into effect on Jan. 1, 2019, reads the following: "December 3rd of each year is designated as Illinois Statehood Day, to be observed throughout the State as a day to commemorate December 3, 1818, as the day Illinois became the 21st State to join the Union. Each year, within 10 days before Illinois Statehood Day, the Governor shall issue a proclamation announcing the recognition of Statehood Day, and designate the official events that shall be held in honor of Illinois obtaining statehood on December 3, 1818."

Following his successful reelection campaign to represent Illinois' 95th District, Butler announced that he would be retiring from the House before the start of his new term in a Nov. 11 Facebook post.

"I have been privileged to serve as the Representative for the 87th District since 2015," he wrote. "The constituents of our district have bestowed upon me one of the greatest honors of my life. As I have said from the day I was sworn in, I am not going to do this job forever. My fourth great-grandfather, Lewis Barker, served in four General Assemblies. Abraham Lincoln served in four General Assemblies. If four terms are good enough for them, four terms are good enough for me."

"As much as I enjoy my work in the Illinois House, the time has come to move on and pursue a new avenue in my career," he continued. "One never knows when opportunities will arise and I have had an excellent opportunity come before me just recently. I plan to resign from the House before the start of the 103rd General Assembly to work full-time with the Illinois Railroad Association. The people we serve come first in these positions, and I profoundly thank everyone from the 87th District for putting your trust in me to be your voice."