Senators Kahn, Pappageorge and Anderson offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 155.

            A resolution commemorating the Third Annual Michigan Chaldean American Legislative Day.

            Whereas, 130,000 Chaldeans reside in the state of Michigan, the largest population outside of Iraq; and

            Whereas, Chaldeans, since migrating to America during the 1920s, have continued to use their strong work ethic to contribute to the growth of Michigan through the establishment of more than 15,000 Chaldean-owned businesses across the state; and

            Whereas, The Chaldean population has consistently proven their entrepreneurial spirit with nearly 60 percent of the community owning at least one business and 80 percent of all food stores in the Detroit area alone; and

            Whereas, The population of Chaldean Americans continues to grow in the state of Michigan, since the Iraqi Chaldean refugees began migrating in search of better economic, political, and religious opportunities; and

            Whereas, The Chaldean American community works to help the refugees adjust and become contributing citizens to the Great Lakes State through business, philosophy, language, and cuisine; and

            Whereas, The Chaldean Community Foundation provides social services to more than 8,000 people annually at their Sterling Heights and Southfield offices, advancing the needs of the Chaldean American community and the communities in which they live and work through education, charitable giving, and advocacy; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we commemorate the Third Annual Michigan Chaldean American Legislative Day on May 17, 2012, with the entire state acknowledging the contributions of this innovative and entrepreneurial community as an important part of Michigan’s diverse history; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce as evidence of the highest esteem of the members of the Michigan Legislature.