BILL ANALYSIS �
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SCR 80
Author: Corbett (D), et al.
Amended: As introduced
Vote: 21
SUBJECT : Irish American Heritage Month
SOURCE : Author
DIGEST : This resolution designates March 2014 to be Irish
American Heritage Month in California, and calls upon the people
of the state to observe the month of March with appropriate
ceremonies, programs, and activities, especially on
March 17, since everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day.
ANALYSIS : This resolution makes the following legislative
findings:
1. Millions of Irish people, faced with severe hardship due
to famine and poverty in their nation, immigrated to the
United States over the last several centuries in search of a
more promising future for themselves and their families.
2. The journey to America from the Emerald Isle was not paved
with gold. The Irish spirit of determination, perseverance,
and grit prevailed against dangerous seas and deadly
conditions with their hearts set on the horizon.
3. Irish Americans initially suffered prejudice and
discrimination upon first arriving in the United States. As
the years went on, Irish Americans became deeply integrated
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in their communities and made numerous contributions in all
aspects of American society and culture.
4. Irish Americans played vital roles in the development of
the United States. Nine Irish Americans were signers of the
Declaration of Independence, and 22 Presidents of the United
States have been of Irish heritage, including John F.
Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.
5. Irish Americans have also played a major role in
California politics as governors, legislative leaders, city
mayors, and other public officials, who have worked
tirelessly to build California to the state that it is
today.
6. Irish Americans were significantly involved in the
development of infrastructure throughout the United States,
especially in California. This included work on railroads
and bridges that connected the west to the east. The Irish
were also instrumental in the building of dams, roads,
canals, and buildings that expanded greatly in the late
1800s.
7. Many outstanding soldiers, never to be forgotten, who
fought for American freedom in the Revolutionary War were of
Irish descent. Irish Americans have proudly served with
distinction in every war that this nation has fought and
continue to do so today.
8. Irish Americans have contributed to the field of science,
including astronaut Michael Collins, first female commander
of a space shuttle, Eileen Collins, physicist and Nobel
Laureate Charles Townes, and bioengineer and MacArthur
"Genius grant" recipient James Collins.
9. Today, over 34 million Americans claim Irish heritage, and
they continue to contribute to the American and California
politics, economy, and culture.
This resolution designates March 2014 to be Irish American
Heritage Month in California, and calls upon the people of the
state to observe the month of March with appropriate ceremonies,
programs, and activities, especially on March 17, since everyone
is Irish on St. Patrick's Day.
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FISCAL EFFECT : Fiscal Com.: No
JG:d 2/19/14 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: NONE RECEIVED
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