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                                                        Introduced Version
   SENATE RESOLUTION No. ___
    DIGEST OF INTRODUCED RESOLUTION
 A SENATE RESOLUTION recognizing the cooperative and
strategic partnership between the Republic of Bulgaria and the
State of Indiana.
                            BRAY
      , re ad first time and referred to Committee on
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                                                       Introduced
        Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026)
         SENATE RESOLUTION ____
     MR. PRESIDENT:
     I offer the following resolution and move its adoption:
1     A SENATE RESOLUTION recognizing the cooperative
2 and strategic partnership between the Republic of Bulgaria and
3 the State of Indiana.
4     Whereas, The Republic of Bulgaria and the United States
5 of America are strategic allies within the North Atlantic Treaty
6 Organization, united by shared democratic values, mutual
7 security commitments, and enduring people-to-people ties;
8      Whereas, Bulgaria plays a growing role in Euro-Atlantic
9 security through defense modernization, enhanced military
10 interoperability, and close cooperation with United States and
11 allied forces;
12     Whereas, Indiana is a national leader in defense
13 manufacturing, aerospace, advanced logistics, cybersecurity,
14 and military research and development, positioning the State as
15 a natural partner for expanded cooperation with Bulgaria in
16 defense trade, joint ventures, technology transfer, sustainment
17 and repair capabilities, and applied research;
18     Whereas, March 3, 2026, marks the 148th anniversary of
19 the reestablishment of a free and independent Bulgarian state,
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1 a defining moment of national liberation commemorated by
2 Bulgarian Americans in Indiana and throughout the United
3 States;
4     Whereas, Beginning in the early twentieth century, tens of
5 thousand of Bulgarians from the geographic region of
6 Macedonia immigrated to the United States, seeking freedom,
7 economic opportunity, and security, and established enduring
8 communities grounded in democratic participation and civic
9 responsibility;
10      Whereas, In 1922, Macedonian-Bulgarian immigrants
11 founded the Macedonian Patriotic Organization (MPO) in Fort
12 Wayne, Indiana, as an organization of Bulgarian refugees from
13 the geographic region of Macedonia, dedicated to the defense
14 of human, civil, and economic rights, and which today operates
15 as an inclusive organization welcoming all persons regardless
16 of ethnicity who support its democratic mission;
17     Whereas, In 1927, the MPO published the first issue of
18 "Macedonska Tribuna" (Macedonian Tribune) in Indiana,
19 which became one of the most influential Bulgarian-language
20 newspapers in North America and remains a vital historical
21 record of immigrant life, democratic advocacy, and
22 transatlantic engagement;
23     Whereas, U.S.-Bulgarian trade in 2022 was estimated to be
24 $2 billion, a 33% jump from the prior year, exemplifying the
25 growing relationship between our countries,
26     Whereas, In 2024, Indiana exported $5 million worth of
27 goods to Bulgaria, primarily computer and electronic parts,
28 while importing over $14 million worth of goods, including
29 nonmetallic mineral products, computer and electronic parts,
30 and primary metal manufactures; and
31    Whereas, The recognition of the relationship between
32 Bulgaria and Indiana provides an opportunity to promote
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1 continued cooperation in defense and security industries,
2 research and development, innovation ecosystems, workforce
3 development, higher education partnerships, and cultural
4 diplomacy: Therefore,
5Be it resolved by the Senate of the
6General Assembly of the State of Indiana:
7     SECTION 1. That the Indiana Senate recognizes the
8 cooperative and strategic partnership between the Republic of
9 Bulgaria and the State of Indiana.
10     SECTION 2. The Secretary of the Senate is hereby directed
11 to transmit copies of this Resolution to Svetoslav Stankov,
12 Consul General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Chicago.
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