SR1053 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1053 LRB103 41012 LAW 74129 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois and Ireland have long enjoyed a mutually beneficial business and cultural relationship, with the prospect of future growth; and

WHEREAS, International trade is critical for the economic growth and prosperity of Illinois and Ireland, supporting well-paying jobs, raising living standards, and helping Illinoisans and residents of Ireland to provide for their families; and

WHEREAS, Bilateral trade between Illinois and Ireland exceeded $4.8 million in 2023; and

WHEREAS, Ireland is Illinois' 7th largest foreign direct investment market based on employment, with 63 subsidiaries at 239 distinct locations, employing over 20,000 Illinoisans; and

WHEREAS, Currently, 950 United States companies are based in Ireland and benefit from the gateway to the European Union; and

WHEREAS, Ireland is the 9th largest investor in the United States; and

WHEREAS, The Chicago Council on Global Affairs has highlighted the encouraging growth of billions of dollars of imports and exports between Illinois and Ireland in recent years; and

WHEREAS, Since the founding of our State, people of Irish heritage have made their homes in Illinois, with many becoming leaders in business, government, education, and science; and

WHEREAS, The Irish people and culture are important parts of the ethnic tradition of the United States and have played significant roles in the history of our State and nation; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we support the sister-state agreement through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to promote additional bilateral trade relations and cultural exchange between the State of Illinois and Ireland; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to Governor JB Pritzker and the Oireachtas.