State Representative David S. Olsen (R-Downers Grove) was sworn into office today for the historic 100th Illinois General Assembly during an hour-long inauguration ceremony held at the University of Illinois Springfield campus. Olsen was appointed to the 81st District seat in July of 2016 and was elected to the seat in the November election last year.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve in this Centennial General Assembly,” said Olsen. “While I am looking to the future with high hopes for a better Illinois, I am very aware that the issues that have been pressing for many years – the need for balanced budgets, pension reform and an improved business climate – remain our biggest struggles today.”
Olsen is part of a newer House Republican Caucus, where more than half of the 51 members have served less than three years. Twelve House Republican members participated in their first inauguration ceremony today, while an additional 16 Republican House members were being inaugurated for only the second time. “We are committed to utilizing a fresh approach as we work collectively to enact necessary reforms that will put Illinois back onto a path toward financial stability and make our state a place where residents and businesses thrive,” Olsen said.
A 2011 graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Olsen holds degrees in Finance and in Management. His professional background is in the field of ethics and compliance for the commodities trading industry. At just 28 years of age, Olsen has served as a Commissioner and as Mayor Pro Tem in his hometown of Downers Grove, and he is currently finishing a term on the College of DuPage Board. Apart from his elected positions, he also serves on the Board of Directors for the District 58 Education Foundation and is active with his local Chamber of Commerce.
Olsen is finalizing a comprehensive 2017 legislative agenda which includes several pro-jobs initiatives, bills that improve government transparency and measures that protect taxpayers and seniors. Follow his legislation at http://ilga.gov/house/RepBills.asp?MemberID=2287.
