This week, we'll celebrate Lincoln's Birthday. Should President Obama also get a holiday in his home state? Some lawmakers think so.
August 4th is Barack Obama's birthday. Democratic lawmakers have filed legislation to make the day a state holiday. That would mean state government offices would close.
Representative Thaddeus Jones, a Democrat from Calumet City who supports the idea, says this is a way to honor the president for his work.
"There's and old saying that says you have to honor people and their achievements while they're here so they can appreciate it and seeing that there's no living president that has had this, I think it'll start a momentum," Jones said.
Obama is planning to visit the Illinois statehouse this week to speak to the General Assembly. He's expected to focus on compromise and working together to get things done.
If the holiday is approved, the first observance could happen this summer.
Copyright 2016 NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS
