Sen. WIlliam Haine prepares to leave office, packs his items for retirement next week

ALTON — State Senator William Haine is retiring from the Illinois Senate at the end of this year and is preparing to leave office: quite literally, he is packing his personal belongings and furniture to move them out of his Henry Street district office in Alton.

Next Wednesday, October 24, movers will arrive to load up 16 years’ worth of memories, awards, papers and his office furniture to take them to his home. The senator is inviting area media outlets to stop in and talk with him about his time in the Senate and what leaving office will mean for him and the district.

“I am so humbled to have served the 56th District since 2002 and, of course, have mixed emotions about leaving office,” Haine said. “I am proud of what I’ve accomplished and look forward to what our future senator will do for the district.”

Haine will officially leave office January 8, 2019, on the last day of the 100th Session of the General Assembly; he will continue to meet with constituents and operate from his Henry Street suite until then.

“I think taking this step of moving my desk and belongings out of this building for the first time since January, 2003, will help my colleagues, friends in the district and I prepare for my transition out of the elected office of State Senator in January.”

The desk and some of the other furniture has been with Senator Haine for the last 40 years. He purchased the desk and credenza in Wood River when he went into the law business with Attorney Randy Bono, later Judge Bono. He also used the furniture when he was state’s attorney and then when he opened his legislative office in Alton in the Honke Building.

“The Honke family has been very generous and has been great landlords,” Haine said. “It is a great place to have an office near the bridge and Route 3, as well as Route 143. It is easily accessible to all parts of my District.”

The former Madison County State’s Attorney has focused much of his work in the senate on criminal law, insurance, the judiciary and veterans affairs. Sen. Haine and his wife, Anna, have seven children and at last count, 33 grandchildren. Many lawmakers who retire from office speak of looking forward to spending time with family, and in Sen. Haine’s case that will be a likely full-time endeavor.

More like this:

Madison County State's Attorney Haine: Collinsville Man Guilty in Fourth of July Machete Attack

Jun 24, 2026

Forensic DNA Breakthrough Revives 33-Year-Old Madison County Murder

May 26, 2026

Metro East Lawmakers Send Five Bipartisan Bills to the Governor  

May 31, 2026

Davidsmeyer & McClure Pass HB 5446 to Keep Rural Ambulance Services in Operation

4 days ago

Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office Welcomes Summer Law Interns

Jun 18, 2026