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2010 SESSION

10100200D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 11
Offered January 13, 2010
Prefiled December 18, 2009
Establishing a commemorative commission to honor the contributions of the women of Virginia with a monument on the grounds of Capitol Square. Report.
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Patrons-- Stosch, Barker, Blevins, Colgan, Deeds, Edwards, Hanger, Herring, Houck, Howell, Hurt, Locke, Lucas, Marsden, Marsh, Martin, McDougle, McEachin, McWaters, Miller, J.C., Miller, Y.B., Newman, Norment, Northam, Obenshain, Petersen, Puckett, Puller, Quayle, Reynolds, Ruff, Saslaw, Smith, Stuart, Ticer, Vogel, Wagner, Wampler, Watkins and Whipple; Delegates: Abbott, Alexander, Anderson, Armstrong, Athey, BaCote, Barlow, Bell, Richard P., Bell, Robert B., Brink, Bulova, Byron, Carr, Carrico, Cleaveland, Comstock, Cosgrove, Cox, J.A., Cox, M.K., Dance, Ebbin, Englin, Garrett, Gear, Gilbert, Greason, Griffith, Herring, Hope, Hugo, Iaquinto, Ingram, James, Janis, Joannou, Johnson, Jones, Keam, Kilgore, Knight, Kory, Landes, Lewis, Lingamfelter, Lohr, Loupassi, Marshall, R.G., Massie, McClellan, McQuinn, Miller, P.J., Morefield, Morrissey, O'Bannon, Oder, Peace, Pogge, Purkey, Putney, Scott, E.T., Scott, J.M., Sherwood, Shuler, Sickles, Stolle, Surovell, Tata, Torian, Toscano, Tyler, Villanueva, Ware, O., Watts and Wright
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, throughout the ages women have been central to the perpetuation of society, and women of every nationality and race have left an indelible mark through their countless contributions, achievements, and accomplishments that have benefitted mankind; and

WHEREAS, from the founding of the Commonwealth, the genius and creativity of women and their presence and contributions have been evident in every aspect of Virginia history and the life of the people of the Commonwealth; however, they have received little appreciation, recognition, or official acknowledgement; and

WHEREAS, Western civilization's traditional social and cultural norms did not provide great visibility to women or afford them an opportunity to exercise their considerable abilities, gifts, and talents, and often suppressed the advancement of women; and

WHEREAS, with the advent of the 20th century, epochal changes in Western civilization have replaced old traditions with a fresh and more equitable view of the rights of women and minorities; and

WHEREAS, the beginning of a new century offers a propitious opportunity to recognize the unique contributions of Virginia women who have for over 400 years nurtured and protected their families, inspired others to achieve, and improved the quality of life in their communities; and

WHEREAS, Virginia's history is replete with great and significant feats of women, which have bolstered, enriched, strengthened, and sustained our citizens throughout the ages, including many noble and heroic deeds that were indispensable to the founding of the Commonwealth and the nation; and

WHEREAS, the contributions and achievements of women, many of them legendary, such as in the fields of literature, music, art, politics, philanthropy, science and medicine, history, education, business, law and jurisprudence, entertainment, public and community service, sports, religion, the military, technology, civil rights, and journalism endure and continue to catapult both men and women to unparalleled accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, it is both fitting and appropriate to recognize and honor the contributions of Virginia's women, their ideals, vision, and spirit of sacrifice that illuminates the path today for those who will follow them, generation after generation; and

WHEREAS, such a tribute to Virginia's women on the grounds of the State Capitol would signal the importance and appreciation of their contributions and achievements to the Commonwealth and the nation, and an appropriate memorial should be considered with care and deliberation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That a commemorative commission to honor the contributions of the women of Virginia with a memorial on the grounds of Capitol Square be established; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the commemorative commission shall consist of a total of 18 members as follows: the Governor of Virginia who shall serve as Chairman thereof, the Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Rules, one member of the Senate appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules, the Clerk of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Delegates, one member of the House of Delegates at large appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates, the Clerk of the House of Delegates; seven nonlegislative citizen members of whom three members shall be appointed by the Governor, two of whom shall be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules, and two of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates. The Secretary of Administration or his designee, the Librarian of Virginia or her designee, the Executive Director of the Capitol Square Preservation Council, and the Executive Director of the Virginia Capitol Foundation shall serve ex officio with nonvoting privileges. Nonlegislative citizen members of the Commission shall be citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Unless otherwise approved in writing by the chairman of the Commission, nonlegislative citizen members shall only be reimbursed for travel originating and ending within the Commonwealth of Virginia for the purpose of attending meetings.

The Commission shall determine and recommend to the General Assembly an appropriate monument in Capitol Square to commemorate the contributions of the women of Virginia. The Commission shall seek private funding for the operation and support of the Commission and the erection of an appropriate monument. The costs of implementation of the Commission, its work, and the compensation and reimbursement of members shall be borne by the Commission from such private funds as it may acquire to cover the costs of its operation and work. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Commission, upon request.

Until completion of the Commission's work or the erection of the monument, whichever occurs later, the Commission shall report annually by December 1 the status of its work, including any findings and recommendations, to the General Assembly, beginning on December 1, 2010. The report shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.