Senator Meekhof offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 56.

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

Whereas, There are 121,000 Chaldeans who 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 ethics to contribute to the growth of Michigan; and

            Whereas, The Chaldean population has repeatedly proved 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. The Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce represents more than 12,000 Chaldean-owned businesses in the state of Michigan; and

Whereas, The population of Chaldeans 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 Community Foundation provides services to the newly-arrived Iraqi Chaldean refugees and victims of war, who have been faced with religious persecution. The community works to help the refugees adjust and become contributing citizens to the state of Michigan; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we commemorate the Fourth Annual Michigan Chaldean American Legislative Day on May 15, 2013, with the entire state to acknowledge the contributions of this 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.