‘Barack Obama Day’ is now a holiday in Illinois

Former President Barack Obama’s birthday is now an Illinois holiday.

Governer Bruce Rauner signed Senate Bill 55 into law Friday, designating Aug. 4 as “Barack Obama Day” across the state. The holiday is commemorative and will not result in workplaces closing, according to NBC Chicago.

The new holiday will be celebrated each year, beginning in 2018.

The text of the bill states the holiday will be “observed throughout the State as a day set apart to honor the 44th President of the United States of America who began his career serving the People of Illinois in both the Illinois State Senate and the United States Senate, and dedicated his life to protecting the rights of Americans and building bridges across communities.”

This story was originally published August 5, 2017 at 5:03 PM with the headline "‘Barack Obama Day’ is now a holiday in Illinois."