11-R408

2011 -- H 6301

Enacted 06/28/11

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

ENACTING THE INSTITUTION OF THE RHODE ISLAND HUMANITIES CAUCUS

Introduced By: Representatives Ruggiero, Hearn, Savage, Marcello, and Keable

Date Introduced: June 28, 2011

     WHEREAS, Article XII of the Rhode Island Constitution underscores the importance of

“the diffusion of knowledge, as well as of virtue among the people being essential to the

preservation of their rights and liberties”; and

     WHEREAS, The diffusion of knowledge is reflected in the work of the Rhode Island

Council of the Humanities through the Council’s promotion of art, history, literature, philosophy,

religion, civics, and other fields, collectively known as the humanities; and

     WHEREAS, The humanities are an integral part of Rhode Island’s economy and culture;

and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island has a long and proud history of promoting the humanities in

the public life; and

     WHEREAS, It is the priority of the General Assembly to inspire intellectual curiosity and

imagination and ignite the diffusion of knowledge in all Rhode Islanders by promoting the public

understanding of the tradition of thought and accomplishment that is the humanities; now,

therefore be it

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

Providence Plantations hereby enacts the Rhode Island Humanities Caucus, a bi-partisan

legislative caucus charged with studying and promoting policies that support the growth of the

humanities in our state; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint three (3)

members of the House, not more than two (2) of whom shall be from the same political party, to

serve on the caucus beginning during the legislative session that commences in January 2012; and

be it further

     RESOLVED, That the caucus will meet quarterly for one calendar year and will work

with three (3) members of the humanities community appointed by the Speaker of the House of

Representatives to produce a report to the House of Representatives suggesting strategies for

promoting the growth of the humanities in Rhode Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities.

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LC02984

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