Governor Ryan Signs 9/11 Remembrance Bill

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Governor George H. Ryan today signed Senate Bill 1531, designating September 11 as a commemorative holiday and a school day.

"September 11 was a tragic day for our nation, and by officially setting aside this day each year, we will honor the memory of those who lost their lives and educate children about how this nation came together in support of all Americans," said Governor Ryan.

All commemorative holidays are regular work and school days during which we recognize significant contributions to our society or great sacrifices that have been made for our country.

SB 1531 also creates a September 11th Remembrance Fund as a special fund in the State treasury to provide grants to aid victims of terrorism, to local governments for terrorism training public safety initiatives, or to prevent terrorism or other potential local disasters and emergency situations in Illinois.

The Illinois Vehicle Code and State Finance Acts are also amended to create specialty license plates for September 11. The Secretary of State is authorized to charge an additional initial fee of $40 and a renewal fee of $27 for this plate. Of those fees, $25 from the initial fee and $25 of the renewal fee will be deposited in the September 11th Remembrance Fund.