William J. Grunloh

William J. Grunloh (May 1, 1956) is a former Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives, in which he served from May 2003 until January 2005.[1]

Biography

Grunloh was born May 1, 1956, in Effingham County, Illinois. He was educated at St. Anthony's High School in Effingham, Illinois, and pursued a career as a building contractor.[1] He was elected to the Effingham County Board. On May 5, 2003, he was appointed to the Illinois House of Representatives to replace Charles A. Hartke, who was appointed the Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture.[2] He served on the following committees; Committees on Agriculture & Conservation; Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education; Commerce & Business Development; Local Government; Veterans' Affairs.[1] During his tenure, Grunloh worked out a deal in which private and religious schools could receive state accreditation. He introduced legislation to allow employers to opt out of providing coverage for contraception and sponsored a state constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage.[3] In the 2004 election, he faced farmer David Reis. Grunloh was endorsed by the Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Federation for Right to Life, Illinois State Rifle Association, various labor unions and A.B.A.T.E., an organization against compulsory motorcycle helmet laws.[4] Despite Grunloh's conservative record, the Republican tilt of the district was too much to overcome and Grunloh lost 62%-38%.[5]

On January 10, 2021, Secretary Omar Osman reappointed Grunloh to serve as the Chief Procurement Officer for the Illinois Department of Transportation for a term ending June 30, 2025.[6]

References
  1. 'Illinois Blue Book 2003-2004,' Biographical Sketch of William J. Grunloh, pg. 122
  2. "House Journal - Illinois House of Representatives" (PDF). ilga.gov. Illinois General Assembly. May 8, 2003. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 24, 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  3. Miller, Rich (January 29, 2004). "Guilt by association". Illinois Times. Springfield, Illinois. Archived from the original on October 7, 2020. Retrieved July 19, 2017.
  4. Miller, Rich (September 21, 2004). "Appointed Incumbent Gets a Big Break in Key House Race". River Cities' Reader. Davenport, Iowa. Archived from the original on August 29, 2023. Retrieved July 19, 2017.
  5. Wheeler III, Charles N. (December 2004). "Whose moral values were key to George W. Bush's win?". Illinois Issues. Archived from the original on August 18, 2010. Retrieved July 19, 2017.
  6. Osmar, Omar (February 4, 2021). "Appointment Message 101-0532". Letter to Illinois Senate. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
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