Bill Text: IL HB5971 | 2017-2018 | 100th General Assembly | Chaptered

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Bill Title: 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.

Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Democrat 13-1)

Status: (Passed) 2018-12-14 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 100-1150 [HB5971 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2017-HB5971-Chaptered.html

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Public Act 100-1150
HB5971 Enrolled LRB100 23891 RJF 42960 b
AN ACT concerning government.
WHEREAS, It is appropriate and right to celebrate a
diversity of cultures and heritages, and such celebration
serves as a reminder that despite our differing backgrounds,
everyone in Illinois is bound by a common hope for a better and
more inclusive future for our children; and
WHEREAS, The Arab American community has a long and
integral history in the United States; and
WHEREAS, For over a century, Arab Americans have been
making valuable contributions to virtually every aspect of
American society, including medicine, law, business,
technology, government, and culture; and
WHEREAS, Tens of thousands of Arab Americans have served
during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam
War, the Iraq War, and the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq after
September 11, 2001; and
WHEREAS, The history of Arab Americans in American life
often remains neglected and has been riddled with
misunderstanding and bigotry; and
WHEREAS, Men and women of Arab descent have shared their
rich culture, strong work ethic, and dedication to education,

while embracing the American spirit of opportunity and helping
us build a better nation and State for all; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that there are approximately
450,000 people of Arab American descent in Illinois with more
than 100,000 Arab American voters registered; and
WHEREAS, We recognize and celebrate the contributions to
cultural diversity, economic growth, and the overall
development of our State and nation made by the Arab American
community; therefore
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
represented in the General Assembly:
Section 5. The State Commemorative Dates Act is amended by
adding Section 6 as follows:
(5 ILCS 490/6 new)
Sec. 6. Arab American Heritage Month. The month of April of
each year is designated 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.
Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon

becoming law.