HR0185 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0185 LRB098 11510 GRL 43679 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Illinois business, cultural, and government organizations are in a unique position to play a leadership role in encouraging further dialogue on expanding social and economic ties with Cuba; and

WHEREAS, Numerous Illinois representatives from businesses, cultural organizations, and government entities have made recent exploratory visits to Cuba; and

WHEREAS, Those Illinois groups are unanimous in their conclusion that the Cuban embargo has proven to be a counterproductive policy that has failed to achieve its stated purposes; and

WHEREAS, As a result, both Illinoisans and Cubans have been harmed by this failed policy; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois has a strong history of trade and academic, cultural, and business exchanges with Cuba and the potential for strong future growth in each of these areas; and

WHEREAS, In order to build upon past relationships developed by numerous groups and leaders who have visited Cuba and who desire an end to the current embargo, a re-examination of current policy is needed; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the Governor's Office to redouble its diplomatic efforts with Cuba by forming a Working Group charged with improving Illinois business and trade exchanges with Cuba; and be it further

RESOLVED, That any working group should be charged with coordinating the efforts of State, regional, and national organizations to promote a new and more effective policy between both countries; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Governor.