Senator Dick Durbin told a joint session of the Illinois General Assembly on Wednesday that his life has been enriched by helping people.
The session was billed as a “farewell address” to honor Durbin as he plans to retire early next year after 30 years in the Senate.
The East St. Louis native urged lawmakers to unify as another election approaches.
He credited any legacy he has been part of as a team effort, including several of his past interns who have continued in public service.
Durbin recalled his battle against tobacco companies in the 1980’s and being the chief champion of the DREAM Act, which would grant legal status to undocumented people who were brought to the United States as children.
