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AJR 63

Designates January 13 of each year as Korean American Day in New Jersey.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Clinton Calabrese and 5 co-sponsors

Designates January 13 as Korean American Day in New Jersey and asks the Governor to issue an annual proclamation, encouraging observances and cultural/educational activities.

Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee
#commemoratio #minority
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Bill Summary · AJR 63

Summary: Assembly Joint Resolution No. 63 (AJR 63) – Korean American Day in New Jersey

Purpose and intent

AJR 63 designates January 13 of each year as “Korean American Day” in New Jersey. The resolution honors the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States on January 13, 1903, and recognizes the substantial contributions of Korean Americans to the United States and to New Jersey, including economic, cultural, and military service. It also asks the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.

What the bill would do

  • Designate January 13 each year as “Korean American Day” in New Jersey.
  • Request the Governor to annually issue a proclamation calling on public officials and citizens to observe the day with suitable activities and programs.
  • Take effect immediately upon enactment (as a joint resolution).

Key provisions and background

  • The designation commemorates the first wave of Korean immigration, highlighted by the arrival of 102 Korean immigrants on January 13, 1903.
  • It emphasizes the enduring contributions of Korean Americans in various fields (engineering, architecture, medicine, arts, writing) and their role in U.S. military history (World War I, World War II, Vietnam, Korea, and other conflicts).
  • It notes the longstanding alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea and references the Centennial Committee of Korean Immigration’s designation of January 13 as Korean American Day.
  • The language frames the day as a state recognition of the community’s arrivals, resilience, and contributions.

Affected entities

  • State government and public officials (via the Governor’s proclamations).
  • Korean American community and broader New Jersey residents (through observance and educational/cultural activities).
  • Schools, cultural organizations, and public institutions that may host related events or programs.

Procedural timeline and status

  • Introduced: January 9, 2024 (Assembly).
  • Assembly actions:
    • January 23, 2025: Reported favorably by the Assembly State and Local Government Committee.
    • January 30, 2025: Passed the Assembly with a vote of 74-0-0.
  • Senate actions:
    • February 3, 2025: Received in the Senate and referred to the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee.
  • Effect: If enacted, the designation would take effect immediately as a joint resolution.

Impact and considerations

  • Fiscal impact: The bill does not authorize new funding or create new entitlements; it is ceremonial and relies on annual gubernatorial proclamations.
  • Public observance: Encourages educational and cultural activities to commemorate Korean American contributions.
  • Administrative: Requires coordination with state officials to issue annual proclamations and promote “Korean American Day” observances.

This summary reflects the bill’s substantive content and procedural status based on the available documents.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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