A new Illinois Bicentennial Commission was created this week by Executive Order, as well as the Governor’s Office of the Illinois Bicentennial, which will lead the planning for the celebration of the state’s upcoming 200th anniversary.
The commission will be comprised of gubernatorial appointees, as well as members appointed by the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, the Senate Minority Leader, the House Minority Leader, the Attorney General, the Lieutenant Governor, the Treasurer, the Comptroller, the Secretary of State, and the Mayors of Chicago and Springfield.
“The Illinois Bicentennial is an incredible opportunity to celebrate Illinois’ contributions to the country and the world and plan for our next 200 years of innovation and achievements,” said Governor Rauner. “I look forward to the commission’s recommendations on how best to move forward to ensure that this will be a celebration to remember.”
With the creation of the Governor’s Office of the Illinois Bicentennial, the Bicentennial Office will develop the strategic vision for the bicentennial celebration and work with the public and private sectors to implement that vision.