John O. Jones
John O. Jones | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Illinois Senate from the 54th district | |
| In office 2003–2013 | |
| Preceded by | William O'Daniel[1] |
| Succeeded by | Kyle McCarter |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 8, 1940 Broughton, Illinois |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Mimi |
| Profession | State Legislator |
John O. Jones is a former Republican member of the Illinois Senate, representing the 54th district from 2003 to 2013. Jones previously served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1995 to 2002. Jones was lead sponsor of landmark senior citizen prescription assistance legislation that expanded the Circuit Breaker program by increasing the income eligibility requirements; member of Woodlands Task Force which protected landowners from skyrocketing property taxes on vacant woodland, grassland and wetlands; sponsored education reform bill creating a base level funding for each student; sponsored comprehensive legislation to revitalize the coal industry in Illinois and he has been a strong advocate for township government, school construction funding and ethanol promotion.
In 2012, O. Jones' 54th district was redrawn and, in places, combined with Republican State Senator Kyle McCarter's 51st district to create the new 54th district. John. O. Jones proclaimed his retirement after failing to receive the 2,000 signatures needed for the Republican primary ballot. After considering running as an independent candidate, he told the Centralia Sentinel that he would instead retire from the state Senate, stating he felt that was best for the party and for the people.
Legislative Assignments
Committees on Licensed Activities (Minority Spokesperson); Agriculture and Conservation; Commerce and Economic Development; Judiciary Criminal Law; State Government and Veterans Affairs
Local Offices Held
Served on the Bluford Grade School Board for eight years, including four years as President. Member of the North East Water District Board for 10 years.
Legislative Awards
Friend of 4-H - Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers, Illinois Agriculture Association Activator - Friend of Agriculture Award, Friend of the Family Award, CARES Advisory Council - Carpe Diem Award, Guardian of Small Business Award, Illinois HomeCare Council - Legislator of the Year, Illinois Firefighters Association – Legislator of the Year, Township Officials of Illinois – Legislator of the Year, Township Officials of Effingham County – Legislator of the Year, Illinois Civil Justice League’s - Friend of Fairness.
Personal
Married to Mimi, father to Natalie and Aaron, and grandfather of five. Born in Broughton, Illinois. Graduated from Mt. Vernon Township High School in 1958. Veteran-U.S. Air Force, 1959-1963. Member of the Jefferson County Farm Bureau and Mt. Vernon Christian Church
References
- ^ "Welch retains seat". Daily Journal. November 6, 2002. Retrieved May 4, 2020.
External links
- Senator John O. Jones official website
- Illinois General Assembly - Senator John O. Jones (R) 54th District official IL Senate website
- Follow the Money - John O. Jones
- Project Vote Smart - Senator John O. Jones (IL) profile
- Illinois State Senate Republicans - John O. Jones profile