East Central Reporter

State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) joined Senate Republicans in showing appreciation for his support staff last week in honor of Administrative Professionals Day.

The senator acknowledged his administrative team of three across all of his offices in the April 21 video shared by the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus. 

"I want to give a quick shoutout to the three individuals that keep the business flowing for the 55th Senate District," Bailey said. "Julie Hudley here in Springfield, Collin Mosely in the Lewisville office and Laurie Behr in Mattoon. Thank you so much for your help."

Meanwhile, the Xenia senator is running for governor and has been outspoken about the state's pension system shortfalls. 

"Illinois got a big problem," Bailey said in a March 19 Facebook post. "According to Moody's Investor Service, our state and local pensions system is in danger with an unfunded liability of over $400 billion. Years of politicians failing us and kicking the can down the road have put the pensions of everyday teachers, first responders and middle and working-class people at risk."

According to a Prairie State Wire report Bailey has said that he doesn't have all the answers for the pension system's problems but has committed to not let anyone's retiree benefits fall if they make less than $140,000.

The U.S. has been celebrating Administrative Professionals Day in some shape or form since World War II. 

The first National Secretaries Day was organized in 1952. Over the years, the name changed to Professional Secretaries Day. In 2000, the International Association of Administrative Professionals announced that name would be changed to Administrative Professionals Day.