State Senator William R. “Bill” Haine (D-Alton) was born Aug. 8, 1944, in Alton, where he continues to live with his wife, Anna. They have seven children and 27 grandchildren - soon to be 30 by the end of the summer. He was appointed to the State Senate in 2002 and first won re-election in 2004. From 1967 to 1969, he served his country in the Vietnam War. After his Army service, Sen. Haine receiv
ed his juris doctorate degree from the Saint Louis University School of Law. The senator was a member of the law firm Bono and Haine in Wood River from 1978 to 1988. In 1988, Haine was elected as Madison County state’s attorney, an office he held until his 2002 appointment to the Senate. His background as a state’s attorney has led to his sponsorship of a variety of legislation directed at protecting the public. These measures include restrictions on sex offenders, enhanced protection for children of parents who use methamphetamine and tools to help police combat metal theft. The Illinois State’s Attorneys Association awarded him the Outstanding Legislator Award in 2009, in recognition of his advocacy for public safety. Haine is the chair of the Senate Insurance Committee and serves on the Criminal Law, Judiciary and Licensed Activities and Pensions committees. He also serves as a majority whip. Other political experience includes 15 years on the Democratic Central Committee from Madison County. Haine was elected to the Madison County Board in 1978 and again in 1982 and 1986. He also was the chair for the Metro East Transit District Board of Trustees from 1981 to 1988. Haine is a member of many civic organizations, including the Alton Cemetery Board of Trustees, the Illinois State Bar Association, the Knights of Columbus, the Saint Anthony Hospital Health Center Board and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also is a past commander of American Legion Post 204.
