A Joint Resolution designating June as "New Jersey Arts, Culture, History, and Tourism Month."

Whereas, New Jersey is home to a host of diverse artistic and cultural institutions, including live theater troupes, the New Jersey State Opera, dance companies, craft fairs, popular music concerts, jazz and folk festivals, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, museums of art and history, and performance venues for events both large and small, including the New Jersey Performing Arts Center; and

Whereas, A diverse range of pristine, natural destinations can be found throughout New Jersey, including 127 miles of beautiful, white sand beaches, State and national parks including the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Great Egg Harbor National Scenic and Recreational River, Great Falls Historic District, the Pinelands National Reserve, a 72-mile stretch of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, over 4,100 freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams, and more than 60 gardens and arboretums; and

Whereas, New Jersey has a rich and storied history, starting with the indigenous Lenni Lenape people and continuing though the State's role as the "Crossroads of the American Revolution," its importance as a stop along the Underground Railroad, its contributions to scientific and technological innovation, and its place as the gateway to the United States for immigrants passing through Ellis Island; and

Whereas, Visitors can experience the richness of the State's past through New Jersey's many museums, historic villages, Revolutionary War battlegrounds, heritage trails, Underground Railroad stations, Thomas Edison's laboratories, Liberty State Park, and the State's 11 historic lighthouses; and

Whereas, Amateurs and enthusiasts alike can participate in a wide range of outdoor activities in New Jersey, including skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, biking, hiking, horseback riding, camping, hunting, golfing, whale watching, bird watching, and encounters with more than 500 species of wildlife; and

Whereas, Adults, children, and the entire family can enjoy a diverse range of recreational activities all over the State, including visits to aquariums, water parks, amusement parks, boardwalks, world-class shopping, horse racing, casinos, wine tastings, wine festivals, and the markets and farms that cultivate the more than 100 types of "Jersey Fresh" produce; and

Whereas, The first college football game, the first professional basketball game, and the first game of modern baseball were all played in New Jersey, and the State remains a hub for both amateur and professional sports, with stadiums and arenas hosting baseball, football, ice hockey, basketball, and soccer teams; and

Whereas, The tourism industry represents a vital component of New Jersey's overall economy, functioning as the third-largest source of private-sector employment in the State, providing billions of dollars in economic activity and revenue in the form of taxes, and creating a general sense of pride that results from New Jersey's desirability as a destination for millions of vacationers; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The month of June is designated as "New Jersey Arts, Culture, History, and Tourism Month," in recognition of the State's numerous unique recreational, cultural, and historic attractions, and the vital role tourism plays in contributing to the State's well-being.

2. The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation and call upon public officials, private organizations, and all citizens and residents of this State to celebrate and experience the contribution these attractions make to the overall quality of life and economic prosperity of New Jersey.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution would designate June as "New Jersey Arts, Culture, History, and Tourism Month," with the goal of promoting New Jersey's wide range of tourist destinations, cultural institutions, historic landmarks, visual and performance art venues, State and national parks, amateur and professional sports, athletic opportunities, and outdoor activities. Tourism is a vital industry in New Jersey, functioning as the third-largest private sector employer in the State and generating billions of dollars in revenue. It is appropriate to dedicate the month of June to promoting and celebrating all of New Jersey's cultural and recreational assets.