Budzinski helping launch bipartisan Presidential Legacy Act

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) and Congressman David Joyce (R-OH) introduced the bipartisan Presidential Legacy Act on Friday.

As it currently stands in federal statute, “Presidents’ Day” is officially recognized as “Washington’s Birthday,” despite four other presidents, including Abraham Lincoln, who were born in February. This bill would change the holiday’s name in statute from “Washington’s Birthday” to “Presidents’ Day” to better honor the Office of the President, Budzinski said.

“In Central and Southern Illinois, we are proud to call ourselves the Land of Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln is an American icon and his legacy as a champion for freedom, equality and democracy is an inspiration to us all,” Budzinski said. “My hope is that the Presidential Legacy Act will allow us to honor President Lincoln, President Washington and every American president for their contributions to build a stronger union.”

To read the full text of the bill, click here.