100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2017 and 2018
HB5971
 
Introduced , by Rep. Michael J. Madigan
 
SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
 

 
5 ILCS 490/6 new

     Amends the State Commemorative Dates Act. Designates the month of April of each year as Arab American Heritage Month to be observed throughout the State as a month to recognize the valuable contributions of Arab Americans to this State and to the various aspects of American society. Effective immediately.
  


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A BILL FOR
 

  
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1    AN ACT concerning government.
  
 
2    WHEREAS, It is appropriate and right to celebrate a 
3diversity of cultures and heritages, and such celebration 
4serves as a reminder that despite our differing backgrounds, 
5everyone in Illinois is bound by a common hope for a better and 
6more inclusive future for our children; and
 
7    WHEREAS, The Arab American community has a long and 
8integral history in the United States; and
 
9    WHEREAS, For over a century, Arab Americans have been 
10making valuable contributions to virtually every aspect of 
11American society, including medicine, law, business, 
12technology, government, and culture; and
 
13    WHEREAS, Tens of thousands of Arab Americans have served 
14during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam 
15War, the Iraq War, and the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq after 
16September 11, 2001; and
 
17    WHEREAS, The history of Arab Americans in American life 
18often remains neglected  and has been riddled with 
19misunderstanding and bigotry; and
 
20    WHEREAS, Men and women of Arab descent have shared their 
21rich culture, strong work ethic, and dedication to education, 
 
 
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1while embracing the American spirit of opportunity and helping 
2us build a better nation and State for all; and
 
3    WHEREAS, It is estimated that there are approximately 
4450,000 people of Arab American descent in Illinois with more 
5than 100,000 Arab American voters registered; and
 
6    WHEREAS, We recognize and celebrate the contributions to 
7cultural diversity, economic growth, and the overall 
8development of our State and nation made by the Arab American 
9community; therefore
 
10    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
 
11represented in the General Assembly:
  
 
 
12    Section 5. The State Commemorative Dates Act is amended  by 
13adding Section 6 as follows:
 
14    (5 ILCS 490/6 new)
15    Sec. 6. Arab American Heritage Month. The month of April of 
16each year is designated as Arab American Heritage Month to be 
17observed throughout the State as a month to recognize the 
18valuable contributions of Arab Americans to this State and to 
19the various aspects of American society.
 
 
20    Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon 
 
 
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1becoming law.