How many states recognize Juneteenth as a holiday?

How many states recognize Juneteenth as a holiday?

In addition to the federal government recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday, 49 states and the District of Columbia have passed legislation recognizing it as a holiday or observance. In Texas, New York, Virginia, Washington, and Illinois, Juneteenth is an official paid holiday for state employees.

In what states is Juneteenth a state holiday?

In June 2019, Governor of Pennsylvania Tom Wolf recognized Juneteenth as a holiday in the state. In 2020, state governors of Virginia, New York, and New Jersey signed an executive order recognizing Juneteenth as a paid day of leave for state employees.

Which states do not honor Juneteenth?

According to the Congressional Research Service, a government body that provides research to inform lawmakers, South Dakota is the only US state that does not have a law to mark the celebration of Juneteenth. The most recent states to add a law recognizing the holiday are Hawaii and North Dakota.

Does Arizona recognize Juneteenth?

Arizona officially recognized the day – but not as a paid state holiday – in 2016, one of 48 states and the District of Columbia that acknowledge Juneteenth. The Senate passed a bill Tuesday to make Juneteenth the 11th federal holiday, followed by the House on Wednesday, which voted 415-14 to approve the bill.

Does Texas recognize Juneteenth?

Texas House Bill 1016 passed in the 66th Legislature, Regular Session, declared June 19, “Emancipation Day in Texas,” a legal state holiday effective starting in 1980. Since that time, the celebration of Juneteenth continues across the state of Texas with parades, picnics, and dancing.

Is Juneteenth a Florida state holiday?

Florida has yet to establish Juneteenth as a legal state holiday, following the death of George Floyd and other issues surrounding racism and injustices against African Americans.

Does California recognize Juneteenth?

California has recognized Juneteenth as a holiday since 2003, though it is not one of the 11 paid holidays for state employees. Last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation commemorating the day.

Will Arizona make Juneteenth a state holiday?

The Arizona Legislature passed a bill in 2016 and became the 45th state to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday. This week, Congress approved a resolution to establish June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day, a federal holiday. President Joe Biden signed the bill into law on Thursday.

What year did Illinois recognize Juneteenth?

1865
On Wednesday, Pritzker made Juneteenth a state holiday in Illinois, commemorating the date in 1865 when the last enslaved Black people in the U.S. learned that they were free.

When did Florida recognize Juneteenth?

Juneteenth’s origins date back to Texas in 1865 when some of the last of America’s slaves were informed of their freedom following President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. Since 1991, Florida law has commemorated the date only in observance, falling short of a holiday.

Will Florida state employees get Juneteenth off?

On Thursday, President Joe Biden signed into law legislation establishing a legal federal holiday for June 19 — “Juneteenth National Independence Day Act.” Kay Ivey announced Thursday that state workers would be off in honor of Juneteenth.