06-R 252

2006 -- H 8075

Enacted 05/04/06

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

CELEBRATING THE 230TH ANNIVERSARY OF RHODE ISLAND'S INDEPENDENCE DAY ON MAY 4, 2006 AND PROCLAIMING THE DAY TO ALSO BE "CIVIC EDUCATION DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Story, Loughlin, Savage, Long, and Ehrhardt

Date Introduced: May 04, 2006

      WHEREAS, The strength of a representative democracy is in the knowledge and

participation of its people; and

       WHEREAS, Rhode Island was the first of the original thirteen colonies to declare its

independence from Great Britain on May 4, 1776; and

       WHEREAS, The young people of today lack interest, knowledge, and trust in American

politics, and resultantly, the percentage of young people who vote has declined over past decades;

and

      WHEREAS, In 2001, legislation was passed to form the Rhode Island Permanent

Commission on Civic Education. It is a bipartisan effort to fortify the fundamental values of

America’s constitutional democracy by promoting the acquisition of knowledge, the development

of participatory skills among our citizens, and to promote the teaching of Rhode Island history;

and

       WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Permanent Commission on Civic Education has convened

a Youth Summit at the Rhode Island State House on May 4, 2006, with participation by high

school students from across Rhode Island, in focus groups facilitated by college students from

Rhode Island College; now, therefore be it

       RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby proudly celebrates the 230th Anniversary of Rhode Island

Independence Day on Thursday, May 4, 2006; and be it further

       RESOLVED, That this House hereby proclaims May 4, 2006 to also be “Civic Education

Day” in the State of Rhode Island. We pledge to continue the effort to make Civic Education a

priority in the education of all Rhode Island students.

=======

LC03154

=======