Public Act 100-1150
 
HB5971 EnrolledLRB100 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.