Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

TexasTowelie

(116,813 posts)
Thu Mar 23, 2017, 02:52 AM Mar 2017

Obama's home state of Illinois rejects a holiday in his honor for now

Former President Barack Obama received a warm reception from his former colleagues in the state legislature when he delivered a speech on the floor of the Illinois House last year, but he didn't get the same support there Tuesday when lawmakers declined to designate his birthday as a state holiday.

Under a new proposal, state facilities and schools would close each year on Aug. 4, Obama's birthday. But opponents said while it might be good to recognize the former president and ex-state lawmaker, people shouldn't get the day off work. The House measure received 54 votes, six votes short of what it needed to be approved and sent to Obama's old stomping grounds in the Illinois Senate.

Sponsoring Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, used a parliamentary move that will keep the measure alive for another try should she gather enough support. A dozen members of the House didn't vote.

"President Barack Obama, he did great work for the state of Illinois and our country, and I believe we need to do our part in preserving that history," Harper said.

Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-barack-obama-day-met-0322-20170321-story.html

4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Obama's home state of Illinois rejects a holiday in his honor for now (Original Post) TexasTowelie Mar 2017 OP
Obama was born in Hawaii tirebiter Mar 2017 #1
Well that certainly sucks. Isn't there any other state willing to step up?? Rhiannon12866 Mar 2017 #2
It's probably a bit too early. TexasTowelie Mar 2017 #3
I'd certainly vote for it here in New York! Rhiannon12866 Mar 2017 #4

Rhiannon12866

(222,294 posts)
2. Well that certainly sucks. Isn't there any other state willing to step up??
Thu Mar 23, 2017, 03:16 AM
Mar 2017

Right about now, I'd think they'd be getting in line...

TexasTowelie

(116,813 posts)
3. It's probably a bit too early.
Thu Mar 23, 2017, 03:25 AM
Mar 2017

However, he was born in Hawaii, then went to college in New York and Massachusetts so there are plenty of blue states that should be ready to jump at the opportunity.

Rhiannon12866

(222,294 posts)
4. I'd certainly vote for it here in New York!
Thu Mar 23, 2017, 03:32 AM
Mar 2017

Maybe that would mean he'd visit here, LOL. Because we're considered a "blue state," we tend to be overlooked by the candidates.

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Illinois»Obama's home state of Ill...