Award Honors State Sen. Dan Kotowski, the Late Judy Baar Topinka
On April 14, Lutheran Day organizers honored State Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-28th) and the late Judy Baar Topinka, Illinois Comptroller, who died in December 2014, with this year's Paul Simon Courage in Public Service Award.
Sen. Kotowski is a champion for good, transparent government, and strong partnerships between government and nonprofit organizations. As a direct-talking and collaborative public official, Topinka, among other achievements, developed communications and appeals systems to allow nonprofit providers owed money by the state to press for the best possible payment solution.
The presentation of the Paul Simon Courage in Public Service Award took place during the annual Lutheran Day activities at the State Capitol Rotunda by a coalition of Lutheran-affiliated social service, healthcare, and advocacy groups. The award was created in 2004 by several Lutheran organizations, along with Patti Simon, widow of the late U.S. senator, to recognize Illinois public officials who demonstrate a commitment to just, compassionate, and responsible public policy.
As Vice President of the Uhlich Children's Advantage Network (UCAN) and later as Executive Director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, Sen. Kotowski spent much of his early career championing for the well-being and safety of children and adults in Illinois. He brings this same commitment to his role as elected official. As Chairman of the Budgeting for Results Commission, Sen. Kotowski leads a diverse group of legislators, nonprofit managers, and financial experts who use data-driven, results-based budgeting to help ensure public funds are spent wisely to best meet the needs and advance the priorities of Illinoisans.
Topinka was widely admired and respected for her straight-talking persona and ability to work with colleagues on both sides of the legislative aisle. Beginning with her time in the Illinois House of Representatives in 1981, then as State Senator, State Treasurer for three terms and as Illinois Comptroller, Topinka was an advocacy leader. Throughout her career as a public servant, she worked to enhance the partnership between government and nonprofit organizations for the benefit of the citizens of Illinois. On the first annual Lutheran Day in 2004, Topinka was present to help inaugurate the Paul Simon Courage in Public Service Award. This year, Topinka's former chief of staff Nancy Kimme accepted the award in Topinka's honor.
"When legislators and state officials govern with the interests of people as their first priority, our communities and the state as a whole can flourish," said Mark Stutrud, Chief Executive Officer of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. "Illinois residents are fortunate to have Sen. Kotowski as their champion in the state Capitol. In Judy Baar Topinka, the people of Illinois lost a good friend and leader, whose legacy will be felt for years to come. Together, they personify the ideals of the Paul Simon Courage in Public Service Award."
Lutheran agencies that were involved in Lutheran Day included: Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI); Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois (LCFS); Advocate Health Care; Bethesda Lutheran communities; Concordia Place; Bethel New Life; Holy Family Ministries, and Lutheran Advocacy-Illinois. For more information, visit www.LutheranDay.org.