SR0221 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0221 LRB103 32081 MST 61043 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, A paletero is a beloved sight within the Latino community, serving a frozen treat staple during the hot summer days; and

WHEREAS, The paletero pushes a mobile cart, typically the size of a wheelbarrow, throughout residential areas and parks, garnering the attention of those in the area through bells on their carts; and

WHEREAS, Paleteros serve a variety of paletas, a frozen treat made of natural and cultural flavors, typically with fresh fruit; the word paleta refers to the stick on which the treat is found, and the treat mimics the shape of a popsicle; and

WHEREAS, Common paleta flavors include maracuya (passion fruit) filled with condensed milk, watermelon (also known as sandía), hibiscus flower (jamaica), rice pudding (arroz con leche), milk caramel (cajeta), and mamey (a tropical tree fruit), just to name a few; and

WHEREAS, Michoacan in Mexico is considered the birthplace of paletas, which were first introduced in the 1930s; Rafael Malfavon, a Michoacan native, would distribute his paletas using a herd of donkeys with wooden crates, which made him one of the first paleteros; and

WHEREAS, The paleteros job is physically taxing as they spend all day in the sun, oftentimes walking between five and 10 miles a day to serve paletas to the community; the paleteros carts can weigh over 200 pounds once filled, and the dry ice used within the carts can burn your arms and hands if not careful; and

WHEREAS, The paleteros spend much time within their communities; they learn familiar faces and build relationships with those in the area; many people will see their paleteros a few times a week, making them a key contributor to the neighborhood and local economy; and

WHEREAS, Paleteros take pride in understanding the needs of their communities, knowing which paletas are best served where; they are familiar with activities within the neighborhood, including sports games, fairs, and parades and often tailor their goods to the events and their demographics; and

WHEREAS, Selling paletas has many benefits beyond the bonds formed within a community; by purchasing a paleta, you are supporting a local business, enriching the community's culture, and providing a safe space for paleteros to continue their work; and

WHEREAS, Most paleteros work multiple jobs and sell paletas in the summer to make additional money; regularly, they receive the job through recommendations from family and friends within the area; and

WHEREAS, Paleteros face many barriers in their work; with an increase of local ordinances making it more difficult for paleteros to acquire permits, it is evident that these communities mourn the absence of their once beloved local paletero; and

WHEREAS, Paleteros are at higher risk of being robbed and harassed by residents; with many paleteros only taking cash and with an increase of unwelcoming experiences from residents, they are left vulnerable to attacks and having to relocate to safer areas; and

WHEREAS, Paleteros flourish within Latino-based communities across Illinois, including many Chicagoland neighborhoods, such as Cicero, Melrose Park, and Berwyn, and extend into the suburbs within Kane County, including Aurora and Joliet, and downstate with the Quad Cities and Fairmount City; and

WHEREAS, For generations, paleteros have been bringing much joy to the children and residents of the communities they serve; they are a staple in a local economy and an inspiration to those who aspire to become small business owners; while their hard work and dedication to the paleta profession often goes unnoticed, it is essential that we continue to fight for them to have a safe space within our neighborhoods; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare May 3, 2023 as "Paleteros Day" in the State of Illinois.