1.0" ?> 20250SR__006799INT 99 INTRODUCED 2026-01-05 2025 0 SR 67 INT Introduced by Senator Blakespear (Coauthors: Senators Ashby, Becker, Caballero, Choi, Grayson, Grove, Hurtado, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, Reyes, Seyarto, Stern, and Umberg) LEAD_AUTHOR SENATE Blakespear COAUTHOR SENATE Ashby COAUTHOR SENATE Becker COAUTHOR SENATE Caballero COAUTHOR SENATE Choi COAUTHOR SENATE Grayson COAUTHOR SENATE Grove COAUTHOR SENATE Hurtado COAUTHOR SENATE Niello COAUTHOR SENATE Ochoa Bogh COAUTHOR SENATE Reyes COAUTHOR SENATE Seyarto COAUTHOR SENATE Stern COAUTHOR SENATE Umberg Relative to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

WHEREAS, On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the birth of the United States of America, affirming that all people are endowed with certain unalienable rights, among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and

WHEREAS, The year 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of this historic occasion, offering an opportunity to reflect on the enduring ideals of liberty, democracy, and self-governance; and

WHEREAS, The men and women of the Revolutionary Era set forth principles of individual rights, checks and balances, and the rule of law, which continue to guide the American nation and inspire generations; and

WHEREAS, Although not one of the original 13 colonies, California has played a vital role in advancing and sustaining the American experiment, growing into the most populous and diverse state in the union and serving as a global leader in innovation, culture, and democratic engagement; and

WHEREAS, The United States has faced, and continues to face, challenges in fulfilling its founding promise, yet through perseverance, sacrifice, and civic participation, generations of Americans have worked to expand the circle of freedom, justice, and equality; and

WHEREAS, Californians from every community and background should be encouraged to take part in public service, civic initiatives, and community-led programs that strengthen our institutions and advance the work of building a more just, inclusive, and resilient democracy; and

WHEREAS, Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is not only an occasion to celebrate our shared history, but also a call to recommit ourselves to the ongoing and unfinished work of creating a more perfect union; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, honors the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and encourages all Californians to celebrate this milestone with pride; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.