H 8526

2026 -- H 8526
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 LC005831
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  STATE  OF        RHODE  ISLAND
  IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
  JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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  HOUSE RESOLUTION
 RECOGNIZING MAY 4, 2026, AS A "NATIONAL DAY OF REASON" IN THE STATE OF
 RHODE ISLAND AND AFFIRMING THE CENTRAL IMPORTANCE OF REASON IN THE
  BETTERMENT OF HUMANITY
  Introduced By: Representatives Stewart, Cruz, Potter, Alzate, Kazarian, Felix, Giraldo,
  Kislak, Morales, and Sanchez
  Date Introduced: May 06, 2026
  Referred To: House Special Legislation
1WHEREAS, The application of reason has been the essential precondition for humanity's
2 extraordinary scientific, medical, technological, and social progress since before the founding of
3 our country; and
4WHEREAS, Reason provides vital hope today for confronting the environmental and
5 societal challenges of our time, including:
6•  The civilizational emergency of climate change;
7•  The advancement of civil liberties for all, including the rights of LGBTQIA+
8 individuals and access to reproductive health care; and
9•  Cultivating the rule of law, democratic institutions, justice, and peace among
10 nations; and
11WHEREAS, America’s founders insisted upon the primacy of reason and knowledge in
12 public life, drafting the Constitution to prevent official establishment of religion and to protect
13 freedom of thought, speech, and inquiry in civil society; and
14WHEREAS, James Madison, author of the First Amendment and fourth President of the
15 United States, stated, "The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true
16 liberty" and "Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own
17 governors, must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives"; now, therefore it be
18RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
19 recognizes May 4, 2026, as a "National Day of Reason"; and be it further
1RESOLVED, That this House hereby encourages all citizens, residents, and visitors to
2 join in the observance of this day and to focus on the central importance of reason, critical
3 thought, the scientific method, and free inquiry in resolving social problems and promoting the
4 welfare of humankind; and be it further
5RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
6 transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to John Mertus and Joe Burgio.
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