HJ0052 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0052 LRB100 12374 MST 25288 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, In 1818, Illinois became the 21st state admitted to the Union and December 3, 2018 will mark the State's 200th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, For 200 years the Prairie State has been a national and international crossroad, from the days of Cahokia's mound builders to being a current hub of innovation, creativity, agricultural bounty, and industrial output; and

WHEREAS, Native Americans, early settlers, and people throughout the world, came to Illinois via footpaths, river routes, railroads, highways, and air travel; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois grew steadily throughout the 19th century, with Illinois citizens becoming leaders in agriculture, business, finance, technology, higher education, and science; the 19th century also saw the rise of the City of Chicago as an economic, industrial, and cultural leader; and

WHEREAS, Business innovators, entrepreneurs, and builders found a welcoming climate and ready workers to build and create diverse enterprises, locally, nationally, and internationally; and

WHEREAS, Illinois workers were pioneers in organizing to improve their lives and working conditions, with Illinois boasting more labor "local 1" union organizations than any other state; their efforts were marked in labor struggles at Haymarket Square, Pullman, Republic Steel, and mine camps and mill towns across the State; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois has cultivated many political leaders, including Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Adlai Stevenson II, Ronald Reagan, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Barack Obama, who have had a great impact on national and world affairs; and

WHEREAS, Illinois was the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution abolishing slavery and was among the early states in ratifying the 14th and 15th constitutional amendments addressing citizenship and voting rights; and

WHEREAS, For two centuries, Illinois has often been the first American home to uncounted immigrants from all parts of the world, which has enriched our State's cultural diversity; and

WHEREAS, Illinois has always been a crossroads for the nation, historically linking north, south, east, and west, and a destination for millions of people from all backgrounds who seek a fair chance and an equal opportunity in life; and

WHEREAS, Illinois is home to the nation's first African American President, Barack Obama, who was elected in 2008 and reelected in 2012; and

WHEREAS, Illinois has been home to many influential people including authors, educators, artists, entertainers, poets, athletes, social reformers, entrepreneurs, and scientists who have made significant contributions to the history and culture of our nation and have improved the quality of life of its citizens; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois continues to serve as a world leader in the 21st century in the fields of science, technology, finance, higher education, agriculture, and industry, a position made possible by the great industriousness of the people of this State; and

WHEREAS, The bicentennial of our statehood is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the many cultural, political, economic, and academic contributions that Illinois and its residents have made to the nation and the world; and

WHEREAS, It is in the public interest to ensure that this occasion is properly celebrated throughout the State; and

WHEREAS, The Commemorative Medallions Act (15 ILCS 555) provides that the State Treasurer may issue medallions to commemorate popular contemporaneous events of statewide interest; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that the State Treasurer is authorized to issue official commemorative medallions honoring the State's bicentennial; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the State Treasurer shall contract for the production, marketing, distribution, and sale of the medallions; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to State Treasurer Michael Frerichs and the Illinois Bicentennial Commission.