BILL ANALYSIS Ó ACR 127 Page 1 Date of Hearing: February 8, 2016 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES Gordon, Chair ACR 127 (Baker) - As Introduced January 28, 2016 SUBJECT: Abraham Lincoln's birthday SUMMARY: Declares that President Abraham Lincoln be honored on February 12, 2016, the anniversary of his birthday, not only in recognition of his numerous accomplishments and contributions to our nation, but also as the virtual symbol of the American dream, whereby an ordinary person from the most humble beginnings can reach the pinnacle of American society to be elected President, and to serve his country with honor and courage. Specifically, this resolution makes the following legislative findings: 1) Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, and one of our nation's most respected and admired Americans, rose from humble beginnings to become President of the United States and courageously led his country during its darkest time, the Civil War. 2) In 1846, he was elected to the United States Congress as the only member of the Whig Party in the Illinois congressional delegation, where he forthrightly articulated his views against the Mexican War and his vehement opposition to the extension of slavery, choosing not to run for reelection in 1848. ACR 127 Page 2 3) In 1860, Abraham Lincoln won election by a small margin and became the 16th President of the United States. 4) On September 22, 1862, President Lincoln took the first major step toward the total abolition of slavery in the United States by issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, which took effect on January 1, 1863. 5) President Lincoln's accomplishments and legacy as the "Great Emancipator" and "Preserver of Our Union" are perhaps unsurpassed in the history of our nation, and it is particularly appropriate to recognize President Lincoln, a portrait of whom hangs in a place of honor in the Assembly Chamber. FISCAL EFFECT: None REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION: Support None on file Opposition None on file Analysis Prepared by:Mukhtar Ali / RLS. / (916) 319-2800 ACR 127 Page 3