Vermont Senate votes to designate Juneteenth as a legal state holiday
March 15, 2024 | SENATE, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
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The Vermont Senate convened on March 15, 2024, to discuss significant legislation aimed at recognizing Juneteenth as a legal state holiday. The bill, known as S 206, was introduced during the second reading and aims to officially designate June 19 as a legal holiday in Vermont, marking it as the sixth recognized holiday in the state.
Senator from Windsor, who introduced the bill, emphasized the importance of Juneteenth, also referred to as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day. The senator expressed personal significance in the bill's introduction, noting the importance of the holiday while attending to a family matter. The legislation not only adds Juneteenth to the list of legal holidays but also repeals the previous designation of June 10 as a commemorative holiday.
While Juneteenth is already recognized at the federal level and celebrated by various communities in Vermont, this bill would provide it with statutory recognition. However, it is important to note that the bill does not automatically grant a paid day off for state employees, as this would require collective bargaining within their unions.
The senator provided historical context about Juneteenth, recounting the events of June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger informed enslaved African Americans in Texas of their freedom, following the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln. The senator highlighted the ongoing relevance of Juneteenth in addressing systemic inequalities and the importance of continued efforts toward racial justice.
The committee on Senate Government Operations has requested support for the bill, encouraging Vermonters to honor Juneteenth by learning about the history of enslavement and celebrating the contributions of the Black community. The senator concluded with a quote from Bell Hooks, emphasizing the collective nature of freedom.
The Senate's deliberation on S 206 marks a significant step toward recognizing Juneteenth in Vermont, reflecting the state's commitment to acknowledging its historical legacy and promoting racial equity.
Senator from Windsor, who introduced the bill, emphasized the importance of Juneteenth, also referred to as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day. The senator expressed personal significance in the bill's introduction, noting the importance of the holiday while attending to a family matter. The legislation not only adds Juneteenth to the list of legal holidays but also repeals the previous designation of June 10 as a commemorative holiday.
While Juneteenth is already recognized at the federal level and celebrated by various communities in Vermont, this bill would provide it with statutory recognition. However, it is important to note that the bill does not automatically grant a paid day off for state employees, as this would require collective bargaining within their unions.
The senator provided historical context about Juneteenth, recounting the events of June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger informed enslaved African Americans in Texas of their freedom, following the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln. The senator highlighted the ongoing relevance of Juneteenth in addressing systemic inequalities and the importance of continued efforts toward racial justice.
The committee on Senate Government Operations has requested support for the bill, encouraging Vermonters to honor Juneteenth by learning about the history of enslavement and celebrating the contributions of the Black community. The senator concluded with a quote from Bell Hooks, emphasizing the collective nature of freedom.
The Senate's deliberation on S 206 marks a significant step toward recognizing Juneteenth in Vermont, reflecting the state's commitment to acknowledging its historical legacy and promoting racial equity.
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