Politics & Government

Illinois Lawmakers Vote To Honor Obama's Birthday

But even if the governor signs the bill, you won't get a day off.

SPRINGFIELD, IL — A measure that would commemorate 44th President Barack Obama's birthday is headed to Gov. Bruce Rauner's desk. Members of the Illinois House on Friday voted 87-0 in favor of a bill that would recognize Obama's work to build "bridges across communities" by making his Aug. 4 birthday an honorary holiday. The Senate OKed the bill in March.

A similar proposal — which would have given state workers a day off for Obama's birthday — was voted down in the House in March.

The current bill would create Barack Obama day in honor of the former Chicagoan, "who began his career serving the people of Illinois in both the Illinois State Senate and the United States Senate, and dedicated his life to protecting the rights of Americans."

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