ENGROSSED HOUSE
CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION NO. 1040	By:	Denney of the House

				and

			Halligan of the Senate

A Concurrent Resolution congratulating the President and Congress on foresight in passing the Morrill Act of 1862; honoring them and renewing commitment to accessible higher education and the support of learning; and directing distribution.

WHEREAS, in 1862, the United States Congress passed and President Abraham Lincoln signed into law the first federal Land-Grant Act, also known as the “Morrill Act”, for its sponsor, Representative Justin Morrill of Vermont; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the Land-Grant Act was the endowment, support and maintenance of at least one college where the leading objective shall be – without excluding other scientific and classical studies, including military tactics – to teach agriculture and the mechanical arts in such a manner as state legislatures respectively prescribe; and
WHEREAS, the goal of the Land-Grant Act was to provide a practical education for people that would enable them to better solve concerns and issues of importance to them, their families and their communities, thereby strengthening the overall quality of life for residents of individual states and the nation as a whole; and
WHEREAS, the Land-Grant Act of 1862 manifested itself in Oklahoma with the creation in 1890 of Oklahoma A & M College in Stillwater, now known as Oklahoma State University and in 1897 with the creation of the Oklahoma Colored Agricultural and Normal University, now known as Langston University; and
WHEREAS, the mandated Land-Grant emphasis on a practical education that works to solve real-world issues and concerns has promoted in Oklahoma, the region and beyond the adoption and advancement of new or improved science-based technologies and best management practices, not only in agriculture and industry but with each successive wave of innovation; and
WHEREAS, the continual adoption and advancement of science-based technologies and best management practices made possible through the Land-Grant Mission manifested in Oklahoma State University has served to enhance Oklahoma’s economy at the local, county and state levels, while also providing for improved management, use and stewardship of Oklahoma’s natural resources.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE 53RD OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN:
THAT the Oklahoma State Legislature respectfully congratulates the President and Congress on their foresight in passing the Morrill Act of 1862.  We honor them and through us renew their commitment to accessible higher education and the support of learning, innovation and engagement in service of the best interest of Oklahoma, the United States of America and the world.
THAT a copy of this resolution be distributed to the President of the United States, the Congressional delegation, the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the President of Oklahoma State University, and the President of Langston University.
Adopted by the House of Representatives the 9th day of May, 2012.

	
Presiding Officer of the House of
	Representatives

Adopted by the Senate the ____ day of ____________, 2012.

	
Presiding Officer of the Senate