HB4811enr 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HB4811 Enrolled LRB102 24966 RJF 34221 b

AN ACT concerning government.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Findings. The General Assembly finds and declares the following:

(1) Irish individuals first came to Illinois in the late 18th Century in search of liberty and new opportunities.

(2) From farming to industrial work in cities, the contributions of Irish in Illinois have been enormous.

(3) Cook County is the largest Irish county in the United States and the State of Illinois is home to over 1,000,000 individuals with Irish ancestry.

(4) Due to the large number of Irish-Americans in Illinois, Chicago is home to one of the largest St. Patrick's Day celebrations and celebrations of Irish heritage in the United States.

(5) Therefore, given the contributions of Irish-Americans to both the United States and the State of Illinois, the General Assembly declares that April 18 of each year shall be known as Republic of Ireland Day.

Section 5. The State Commemorative Dates Act is amended by adding Section 9 as follows:

(5 ILCS 490/9 new)

Sec. 9. Republic of Ireland Day. April 18 of each year is designated as Republic of Ireland Day to be observed throughout the State as a day in recognition of the anniversary of April 18, 1949, the day in which the Republic of Ireland officially declared itself independent from Great Britain, in recognition of the Republic of Ireland and its people, and in recognition of the many Illinoisans of Irish descent who have made a lasting impact upon our State. Each year, within 10 days before Republic of Ireland Day, the Governor shall issue a proclamation announcing the recognition of Republic of Ireland Day, and designate the official events that shall be held in honor of Republic of Ireland Day and the contributions of Illinoisans of Irish descent.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.