BILL NUMBER: SCR 14 INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED

BY Senator Baca

FEBRUARY 12, 1999

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 14--Relative to Mexican independence.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST SCR 14, as introduced, Baca. Mexican independence. This measure would call on all the people of California to join the people of Mexico and Californians of Mexican heritage in celebrating Mexican independence on the anniversary of the popular uprising of September 16, 1810. Fiscal committee: no.

WHEREAS, For centuries the people of Mexico suffered under the political and economic oppression of the government of Spain; and

WHEREAS, The resistance of the people to Spanish rule flourished during the late 18th century and culminated in plans to create an independent Mexico, free of foreign domination; and

WHEREAS, On the 16th of September, 1810, a popular uprising was launched when a leader of the freedom fighters, Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, the priest of the town of Dolores, proclaimed to his congregation: "Long live independence! Death to bad Government!;" and

WHEREAS, Don Miguel's proclamation marked the beginning of the Mexican people's long struggle for independence from the tyranny of a distant monarchy; and

WHEREAS, Nearly 11 years later, New Spain won its independence from Old Spain and proclaimed itself the nation of Mexico; and

WHEREAS, Forty years later, the Mexican people drove a new invader in the form of troops from France from their soil and established, once and for all, their independence from foreign domination; and

WHEREAS, The people of Mexico have, through their courage and tenacity, created a proud heritage of independence, often against overwhelming odds; and

WHEREAS, The nation of Mexico has emerged as an economically, as well as politically powerful participant in world affairs; and

WHEREAS, Mexico and the United States, particularly the State of California, are now forming ever closer ties, both cultural and economic, that benefit both nations; and

WHEREAS, More than one in four Californians now trace their roots to Mexico, a number that is expected to grow to nearly 40 percent of the state's population in the next quarter century; and

WHEREAS, People of Mexican heritage have played a major role in the history of California for more than four centuries and now play an increasingly important role in all facets of the state's economic, cultural, and political life; and

WHEREAS, The nation of Mexico and its people have proven to be good neighbors to the United States and the State of California; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature of the State of California hereby calls on all the people of California to join the people of Mexico and Californians of Mexican heritage in celebrating the 16th of September with the cry of Don Miguel Hidalgo: "Long live independence! Death to bad government!"