Bill Text: IL SJR0012 | 2025-2026 | 104th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Declares 2026 as the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Year in the State of Illinois. Encourages communities, historical societies, and state agencies to organize commemorative events and educational initiatives to honor this historic occasion.

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Introduced) 2025-02-25 - Assigned to Transportation [SJR0012 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2025-SJR0012-Introduced.html

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SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Illinois General Assembly recognizes the
importance of Route 66 as a cultural and historical asset and
wishes to honor its centennial milestone and to celebrate its
impact on transportation, tourism, and the American spirit;
and
WHEREAS, Route 66, known as the "Main Street of America"
or as the "Mother Road", has played a significant role in the
history and development of the United States, connecting
Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California and serving as
a vital transportation corridor since its establishment in
1926; and
WHEREAS, The year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of
Route 66, a roadway that has become an enduring symbol of
adventure, freedom, and economic opportunity and that has
contributed to the culture and identity of Illinois and the
nation as a whole; and
WHEREAS, Illinois holds a unique place in the history of
Route 66 as it was the first state to pave the highway in its
entirety and serves as the starting point of this legendary
route in downtown Chicago; Route 66 passes through numerous
communities and landscapes that have left a lasting imprint on

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American history; and
WHEREAS, Route 66 in Illinois has supported small
businesses, diners, motels, and roadside attractions,
fostering economic growth and tourism while preserving the
rich history of the communities along its path from Chicago to
the Mississippi River; and
WHEREAS, During the Prohibition era, Route 66 was often
used as a corridor for transporting illicit goods, and during
the Great Depression, it became a critical path for displaced
families seeking new opportunities in the West; and
WHEREAS, Route 66 has been immortalized in American
culture through various works of art, including literature,
film, and music such as John Steinbeck's novel "The Grapes of
Wrath", the popular song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66", and
numerous Hollywood films that have celebrated its legacy; and
WHEREAS, The preservation and commemoration of Route 66's
legacy have been championed by local organizations,
historians, and enthusiasts who continue to promote awareness
and appreciation of its historical significance; therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL

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ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that we declare 2026 as the
Illinois Route 66 Centennial Year in the State of Illinois;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That we encourage communities, historical
societies, and state agencies to organize commemorative events
and educational initiatives to honor this historic occasion.