Bill Text: NJ SR142 | 2016-2017 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Recognizes 100th anniversary of U.S. Virgin Islands becoming territory of United States.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2017-11-09 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee [SR142 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2016-SR142-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator SHIRLEY K. TURNER
District 15 (Hunterdon and Mercer)
SYNOPSIS
Recognizes 100th anniversary of U.S. Virgin Islands becoming territory of United States.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Senate Resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Virgin Islands becoming a territory of the United States.
Whereas, On March 31, 1917, the United States purchased St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John from the Kingdom of Denmark for $25 million, in part due to the islands' strategic location for military use during World War I; and
Whereas, 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the United States purchasing the U.S. Virgin Islands, and March 31st of each year is referred to as "Transfer Day" by residents of the islands; and
Whereas, In 1927, the United States granted citizenship to the residents of the islands, and in 1936, Congress passed the Organic Act of the Virgin Islands, providing political power to the local government; and
Whereas, The U.S. Virgin Islands elected its first governor, Melvin H. Evans, in 1970; and
Whereas, Tourism in the U.S. Virgin Islands has been growing over the past several decades, and today the islands are a thriving destination for people seeking an endless summer; and
Whereas, For New Jersey residents seeking a Caribbean vacation, the U.S. Virgin Islands are a short plane ride away and no passport is required for travel; and
Whereas, This country and New Jersey are proud that the U.S. Virgin Islands are a part of the United States, and it is therefore fitting and appropriate to recognize the 100th anniversary of the islands becoming a territory of the United States; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House recognizes the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Virgin Islands becoming a territory of the United States.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
STATEMENT
This resolution recognizes the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Virgin Islands becoming a territory of the United States. March 31, 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the United States purchasing St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas from Denmark, and March 31st is fondly referred to as "Transfer Day" by the residents of the islands.
The U.S. Virgin Islands have become a thriving tourist destination where visitors can enjoy an endless summer.
