SR0154 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0154 LRB104 12668 MST 23440 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, March has served as Women's History Month since 1987, and women of all races and ethnicities continue to impact and influence not only their families but also the next generation of leaders; and

WHEREAS, Latina women have made an impressive impact on the State of Illinois and are a driving force behind Illinois' economic growth; they now compose the largest group of women workers in the U.S., behind non-Hispanic Caucasian women; currently numbering over 14 million, they account for 17% of the female labor force and are projected to rapidly continue growing; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus (ILLC), established in 2002, has diligently worked to preserve and protect Latina heritage while supporting Latina women in legislative leadership positions in the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives; and

WHEREAS, Designed to increase federal, state, and municipal resources that benefit Illinois Latinos, the ILLC has been vigilant in making sure members of their community have the proper necessities to become successful and create a legacy of which generations to come will be proud; and

WHEREAS, The ILLC blazes a path for women in leadership to continue striving for greatness while making unprecedented decisions that improve the quality of life for Black and Brown communities; and

WHEREAS, The ILLC has become the voice for Latino communities in Illinois seeking change and equality and will continue preserving the history of its people; and

WHEREAS, Establishing Latina Heritage Day in Illinois provides a dedicated time to celebrate and recognize the cultural and historical contributions of Latinas, as well as raise awareness of the challenges they continue to face; and

WHEREAS, Latina Heritage Day will serve as an opportunity to uplift the voices and achievements of Latinas, promote civic engagement, and inspire future generations to continue the legacy of leadership and advocacy; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare March 15, 2025 as Latina Heritage Day in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus (ILLC) as a symbol of our esteem and respect.