Illinois Senate supports state military bases
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[APRIL 22, 2005]
SPRINGFIELD
-- In response to a presidential edict calling for the realignment
and closure of U.S. military bases and a Department of Defense
statement expressing its intent to reduce almost 25 percent of its
infrastructure, the Illinois Senate approved a bipartisan resolution
supporting four Illinois military bases that are at risk for
closure.
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According to state
Sen. Larry Bomke,
R-Springfield, the Senate chamber unanimously supported
Senate Joint Resolution 18, a proclamation that reinforces the
economic and social importance of the Peoria Air National Guard
Base, the Rock Island Arsenal, Scott Air Force Base and Springfield
National Guard Base. "Senate
Joint Resolution 18 was drafted to convey how serious the
ramifications of closing these military bases would be," said Bomke,
a co-sponsor of the resolution. "Closing these bases would affect
the lives and livelihoods of tens of thousands of Illinois residents
and have a noticeable impact on the economy of these regions."
Combined, these Air Force bases
provide over 20,000 jobs to Illinois citizens and an economic impact
of over $3 billion. Each of the bases is a vital component in the
success of the surrounding communities, often acting as the economic
engine of the region.
Bomke explained that each of these
military bases plays an instrumental role in supporting military
initiatives at home and abroad.
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![](../images/ads/current/statebank.gif) "Each military institution
contributes in some way to the success and the safety of American
armed forces," he said. "The Peoria Air Base remains mobilized in
support of our troops in the Middle East, while the Rock Island
Arsenal plays a key role in developing and producing weapons and
other munitions.
"The Scott Air Force Base is the
largest employer in southwest Illinois, and its daily operations are
fundamental to the execution of National Security Policy. Finally,
the Springfield Air National Guard is a key facility for the
specialized training of Air Force pilots."
Senate Joint Resolution 18 will
proceed to the Illinois House of Representatives for final consent.
If the resolution is adopted, copies will be forwarded to the
Department of Defense, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission,
and to each member of the Illinois congressional delegation for
review.
[News release from Illinois
Senate Republicans]
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