Gene L. Hoffman Papers (Elmhurst)

Before becoming a state representative Gene L. Hoffman was chairman and teacher in the Social Studies Department of Fenton High School in Bensenville, Illinois, for thirty years.  This provided him with a well rounded background for the legislature where much of his energy was directed toward education.   As state representative for the 40th District, Gene Hoffman held a variety of positions on the legislative level.  Among the positions he occupied were Deputy Minority Leader (1989-90); Assistant Minority Leader (1983-1989); Vice-Chairman, Joint House/Senate Committee on Education Reform (1985-1987); Co-Chairman, School Problems Council (1986-1990); Vice-Chairman, Task Force on Education for Employment (1987-1989); Vice-Chairman, General Assembly Retirement System (1986-1990); Chairman, Governor's Task Force on Pension Funding (1985); Chairman, School Problems Commission (1971-1973, 1978-1984); and Member, Commission on Improvement of Elementary and Secondary Education (1983-1985).   On the national level Mr. Hoffman was also involved in a number of committees such as chairman, Education and Labor Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures (1984-1984, 1989-1990); Chairman, Education Committee of the Assembly on the Legislature of the NCSL (1988-1989); Co-Chairman, ALPS (1983-1984, 1986-1989); Vice-Chairman, Education Commission of the States (1972-1973, 1981-1992); Member, National Task Force for Minority Students in Higher Education (1989-1990); and Member, Task Force on Education for Economic Growth, Education Commission of the States (1983-1985).   Mr. Hoffman participated in many civic organizations including the Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Board of Governors, Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce, Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, Elmhurst Jaycees, and the Lombard Lilac Festival Committee.  His political affiliations include the York Township Republican Organization which he chaired in 1976-1977 and 1986-1987.  Mr. Hoffman has been a committeeman for the York Township Republican Organization since 1970.  He is a member of four professional societies and organizations:  Phi Delta Kappa (Triton Chapter); Pi Gamma Mu, National Social Science Honor Society; Illinois Education Association, and the National Education Association.   Gene Hoffman has received recognition from many organizations such as Northern Illinois University Distinguished Alumni Award, Legislator of the Year Award - National Republican Legislators Association, and Large Unit District Association "Mr. Education" Award.    Born in Canton, Illinois, on September 26, 1932, Hoffman graduated from Belvidere High School, Illinois State University (B.S.), and Northern Illinois University (M.A. and Ed.D.).  Hoffman also served two years in the Army and is married to Diana.  They have four children and reside in Elmhurst, Illinois.

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