Public Act 102-0701
 
HB4811 EnrolledLRB102 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.