HCS HB 640 -- EMANCIPATION DAY

SPONSOR:  Bland (Walton)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Special Committee on
Urban Issues by a vote of 11 to 0.

This substitute designates June 19 of each year as "Emancipation
Day."  This day is also referred to as "Juneteenth," which
commemorates June 19, 1865, which was the day the last slaves
were informed of their freedom.

On this day, Missourians, government offices, and all
organizations are asked to devote part of the day to remembering
the Emancipation Proclamation by celebrating "Juneteenth" and
reaffirming their commitment to achieving equal justice and
opportunity.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that Juneteenth celebrations happen
all over the nation and that the bill will make it a
commemorative holiday in Missouri.

Testifying for the bill was Representative Walton.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Alice Hurley, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:12 am