April 23, 2015

Mayor Emanuel Commends Illinois General Assembly On Passage Of Amendment To The Park District Aquarium And Museum Act

Amendment reaffirms that presidential libraries, other museums can be built on park land

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Mayor Rahm Emanuel today commended House Speaker Michael Madigan, Senate President John Cullerton, Senator Kwame Raoul and the Illinois General Assembly on their passage of an amendment to the Park District Aquarium and Museum Act.

“I commend the Illinois General Assembly for making it clear that they agree with Chicago’s position that presidential libraries and other museums enhance park land for the benefit of the public,” said Mayor Emanuel. “The Obama Presidential Library and Lucas Museum of Narrative Art would not only benefit residents and visitors for generations to come, these institutions would provide incredible economic, cultural and educational opportunities to the city and state.”

As part of the Mayor’s commitment to secure the presidential library for Chicago, this action will provide further reassurance for the Barack Obama Foundation to choose the president’s home town as the site of the Barack Obama Presidential Library and Museum.

The amendment was passed today by both the Illinois State Senate and House of Representatives.

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