This measure would extend an invitation to the people of the region of Lviv, Ukraine, to join with California in a sister state relationship.

This measure would extend an invitation to the people of the region of Lviv, Ukraine, to join with California in a sister state relationship.

This measure would extend an invitation to the people of the region of Lviv, Ukraine, to join with California in a sister state relationship.

WHEREAS, California has been a refuge and home for Ukrainian immigrants for decades; and

WHEREAS, Notable numbers of Ukrainians began arriving in California in the late 19th century and now California has one of the largest Ukrainian communities in the country, with about one in six Ukrainian immigrants in the United States residing in California; and

WHEREAS, There are more than 100,000 Ukrainian Americans in California, with most Ukrainian Americans living in the metropolitan areas of Sacramento, the bay area, and Los Angeles. Sacramento ranks first in the nation in the share of its population that are Ukrainian immigrants; and

WHEREAS, The Lviv region is located in western Ukraine and shares borders to the north and northeast with the Volyn and Rivne regions; and

WHEREAS, The Lviv region attracts various ethnic groups with different cultural and religious traditions, and is home to Orthodox, Armenian, and Catholic churches, a synagogue, a mosque, and other coexisting religious traditions; and

WHEREAS, The Lviv region has a rich tradition of education and scholarship, which makes it an ideal partner for academic exchanges with California universities. Collaborations in research, technology, and innovation can flourish given the regions and Californias historical ties and shared commitment to progress; and

WHEREAS, The Lviv region is an outstanding example of the fusion of architectural and artistic traditions from eastern Europe, Italy, and Germany, which creates opportunities for joint projects in the field of culture and art projects; and

WHEREAS, The Lviv region has a strategic location and economic potential, which offer avenues for trade, investment, and business partnerships. Joint initiatives can promote economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development; and

WHEREAS, The Lviv region received hundreds of thousands of temporarily displaced persons from the east of Ukraine who left their homes due to the brutal war unleashed by Russia; and

WHEREAS, California was among the first to recognize the tragedy of the Holodomor of 19321933 in Ukraine, including a memorial that was erected in 1986 in the Gloria Molina Grand Park in memory of the millions of dead Ukrainians, which today tells the world about the crimes of the Stalinist regime; and

WHEREAS, The CaliforniaUkraine National Guard Partnership was initiated in 1993 and is one of the outcomes of, and progressive partnerships within, the United States European Command State Partnership Program. In 2014, the California State Senate approved a resolution on cooperation between the California National Guard and Ukraine. Over the years, this partnership with the California National Guard and Ukraine has made humanitarian support a constant aspect of every deployment, including helping with school repairs in the Lviv region; and

WHEREAS, California and the Lviv region of Ukraine share many mutual values, aspirations, and interests, including economic cooperation, education, arts and culture, agriculture, energy, governance, health, biotechnology, humanitarian assistance, environmental sustainability, science, and technology; and

WHEREAS, The California Legislature cherishes its longstanding commitment to fostering and nurturing international relationships that promote global cooperation, peace, prosperity, and cultural understanding; and

WHEREAS, California recognizes the unwavering resilience and strength of the Lviv region, which has undergone challenges as a result of military aggression and yet remains a beacon of cultural richness, diversity, and economic potential; and

WHEREAS, California acknowledges the significant contributions of the Ukrainian community residing within its borders, which has brought forth an array of talents, entrepreneurial spirit, culture, and traditions that have deeply enriched the Californian tapestry and played an invaluable role in building bridges of friendship and understanding between California and Ukraine; and

WHEREAS, The establishment of a sister state relationship symbolizes a mutual commitment to forging stronger bonds, enhancing bilateral ties, and promoting shared ideals and goals for the betterment of both regions and their people; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the California Legislature, on behalf of the people of California, extends to the people of the Lviv region, Ukraine, an invitation to join with California in a sister state relationship in order to encourage and facilitate mutually beneficial educational, economic, and cultural exchanges; and be it further

Resolved, That it is the intent of the Legislature through a sister state relationship with the Lviv region to further promote the prosperity of both regions and to improve international understanding and goodwill between both regions; and be it further

Resolved, That any sister state agreement be developed and supported through the mutual cooperation and engagement of the government and Regional Council of Lviv region, Ukraine, and the government and Legislature of California; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for distribution.

WHEREAS, California has been a refuge and home for Ukrainian immigrants for decades; and

WHEREAS, Notable numbers of Ukrainians began arriving in California in the late 19th century and now California has one of the largest Ukrainian communities in the country, with about one in six Ukrainian immigrants in the United States residing in California; and

WHEREAS, There are more than 100,000 Ukrainian Americans in California, with most Ukrainian Americans living in the metropolitan areas of Sacramento, the bay area, and Los Angeles. Sacramento ranks first in the nation in the share of its population that are Ukrainian immigrants; and

WHEREAS, The Lviv region is located in western Ukraine and shares borders to the north and northeast with the Volyn and Rivne regions; and

WHEREAS, The Lviv region attracts various ethnic groups with different cultural and religious traditions, and is home to Orthodox, Armenian, and Catholic churches, a synagogue, a mosque, and other coexisting religious traditions; and

WHEREAS, The Lviv region has a rich tradition of education and scholarship, which makes it an ideal partner for academic exchanges with California universities. Collaborations in research, technology, and innovation can flourish given the regions and Californias historical ties and shared commitment to progress; and

WHEREAS, The Lviv region is an outstanding example of the fusion of architectural and artistic traditions from eastern Europe, Italy, and Germany, which creates opportunities for joint projects in the field of culture and art projects; and

WHEREAS, The Lviv region has a strategic location and economic potential, which offer avenues for trade, investment, and business partnerships. Joint initiatives can promote economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development; and

WHEREAS, The Lviv region received hundreds of thousands of temporarily displaced persons from the east of Ukraine who left their homes due to the brutal war unleashed by Russia; and

WHEREAS, California was among the first to recognize the tragedy of the Holodomor of 19321933 in Ukraine, including a memorial that was erected in 1986 in the Gloria Molina Grand Park in memory of the millions of dead Ukrainians, which today tells the world about the crimes of the Stalinist regime; and

WHEREAS, The CaliforniaUkraine National Guard Partnership was initiated in 1993 and is one of the outcomes of, and progressive partnerships within, the United States European Command State Partnership Program. In 2014, the California State Senate approved a resolution on cooperation between the California National Guard and Ukraine. Over the years, this partnership with the California National Guard and Ukraine has made humanitarian support a constant aspect of every deployment, including helping with school repairs in the Lviv region; and

WHEREAS, California and the Lviv region of Ukraine share many mutual values, aspirations, and interests, including economic cooperation, education, arts and culture, agriculture, energy, governance, health, biotechnology, humanitarian assistance, environmental sustainability, science, and technology; and

WHEREAS, The California Legislature cherishes its longstanding commitment to fostering and nurturing international relationships that promote global cooperation, peace, prosperity, and cultural understanding; and

WHEREAS, California recognizes the unwavering resilience and strength of the Lviv region, which has undergone challenges as a result of military aggression and yet remains a beacon of cultural richness, diversity, and economic potential; and

WHEREAS, California acknowledges the significant contributions of the Ukrainian community residing within its borders, which has brought forth an array of talents, entrepreneurial spirit, culture, and traditions that have deeply enriched the Californian tapestry and played an invaluable role in building bridges of friendship and understanding between California and Ukraine; and

WHEREAS, The establishment of a sister state relationship symbolizes a mutual commitment to forging stronger bonds, enhancing bilateral ties, and promoting shared ideals and goals for the betterment of both regions and their people; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the California Legislature, on behalf of the people of California, extends to the people of the Lviv region, Ukraine, an invitation to join with California in a sister state relationship in order to encourage and facilitate mutually beneficial educational, economic, and cultural exchanges; and be it further

Resolved, That it is the intent of the Legislature through a sister state relationship with the Lviv region to further promote the prosperity of both regions and to improve international understanding and goodwill between both regions; and be it further

Resolved, That any sister state agreement be developed and supported through the mutual cooperation and engagement of the government and Regional Council of Lviv region, Ukraine, and the government and Legislature of California; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for distribution.

WHEREAS, California has been a refuge and home for Ukrainian immigrants for decades; and

WHEREAS, Notable numbers of Ukrainians began arriving in California in the late 19th century and now California has one of the largest Ukrainian communities in the country, with about one in six Ukrainian immigrants in the United States residing in California; and

WHEREAS, There are more than 100,000 Ukrainian Americans in California, with most Ukrainian Americans living in the metropolitan areas of Sacramento, the bay area, and Los Angeles. Sacramento ranks first in the nation in the share of its population that are Ukrainian immigrants; and

WHEREAS, The Lviv region is located in western Ukraine and shares borders to the north and northeast with the Volyn and Rivne regions; and

WHEREAS, The Lviv region attracts various ethnic groups with different cultural and religious traditions, and is home to Orthodox, Armenian, and Catholic churches, a synagogue, a mosque, and other coexisting religious traditions; and

WHEREAS, The Lviv region has a rich tradition of education and scholarship, which makes it an ideal partner for academic exchanges with California universities. Collaborations in research, technology, and innovation can flourish given the regions and Californias historical ties and shared commitment to progress; and

WHEREAS, The Lviv region is an outstanding example of the fusion of architectural and artistic traditions from eastern Europe, Italy, and Germany, which creates opportunities for joint projects in the field of culture and art projects; and

WHEREAS, The Lviv region has a strategic location and economic potential, which offer avenues for trade, investment, and business partnerships. Joint initiatives can promote economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development; and

WHEREAS, The Lviv region received hundreds of thousands of temporarily displaced persons from the east of Ukraine who left their homes due to the brutal war unleashed by Russia; and

WHEREAS, California was among the first to recognize the tragedy of the Holodomor of 19321933 in Ukraine, including a memorial that was erected in 1986 in the Gloria Molina Grand Park in memory of the millions of dead Ukrainians, which today tells the world about the crimes of the Stalinist regime; and

WHEREAS, The CaliforniaUkraine National Guard Partnership was initiated in 1993 and is one of the outcomes of, and progressive partnerships within, the United States European Command State Partnership Program. In 2014, the California State Senate approved a resolution on cooperation between the California National Guard and Ukraine. Over the years, this partnership with the California National Guard and Ukraine has made humanitarian support a constant aspect of every deployment, including helping with school repairs in the Lviv region; and

WHEREAS, California and the Lviv region of Ukraine share many mutual values, aspirations, and interests, including economic cooperation, education, arts and culture, agriculture, energy, governance, health, biotechnology, humanitarian assistance, environmental sustainability, science, and technology; and

WHEREAS, The California Legislature cherishes its longstanding commitment to fostering and nurturing international relationships that promote global cooperation, peace, prosperity, and cultural understanding; and

WHEREAS, California recognizes the unwavering resilience and strength of the Lviv region, which has undergone challenges as a result of military aggression and yet remains a beacon of cultural richness, diversity, and economic potential; and

WHEREAS, California acknowledges the significant contributions of the Ukrainian community residing within its borders, which has brought forth an array of talents, entrepreneurial spirit, culture, and traditions that have deeply enriched the Californian tapestry and played an invaluable role in building bridges of friendship and understanding between California and Ukraine; and

WHEREAS, The establishment of a sister state relationship symbolizes a mutual commitment to forging stronger bonds, enhancing bilateral ties, and promoting shared ideals and goals for the betterment of both regions and their people; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the California Legislature, on behalf of the people of California, extends to the people of the Lviv region, Ukraine, an invitation to join with California in a sister state relationship in order to encourage and facilitate mutually beneficial educational, economic, and cultural exchanges; and be it further

Resolved, That it is the intent of the Legislature through a sister state relationship with the Lviv region to further promote the prosperity of both regions and to improve international understanding and goodwill between both regions; and be it further

Resolved, That any sister state agreement be developed and supported through the mutual cooperation and engagement of the government and Regional Council of Lviv region, Ukraine, and the government and Legislature of California; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for distribution.

SENATE THIRD READING

STR Bill Id:SCR 96

Author:(Dodd)

As Introduced Ver:January 4, 2024

Majority vote

SUMMARY

This resolution proposes the establishment of a Sister State relationship between California and the Lviv region of Ukraine, creating a bridge to connect the two communities. The resolution aims to foster cultural exchanges, encompassing art, education, and diverse communities, promoting mutual understanding and collaboration

Major Provisions

Extends an invitation to the people of the region of Lviv, Ukraine, to join with California in a sister state relationship.

COMMENTS

The State of California has long admired and prioritized its cultural diversity and the contributions fostered by immigrants. In the late 19th century, California received the first wave of Ukrainian immigrants. Today, California is proud to host one of the largest Ukrainian communities in the United States.

With over 100,000 Ukrainian Americans in the state, concentrated in areas such as Sacramento, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles, California has become a significant hub for Ukrainian culture and heritage. With such a profound population of Ukrainians, California has historically demonstrated solidarity with the state of Ukraine. California recognized the Holodomor tragedy of 1932–1933, commemorating it with a memorial in the Gloria Molina Grand Park and initiated a California-Ukraine National Guard Partnership in 1993.

California recognizes the unwavering resilience and strength of the Lviv region, which has undergone challenges as a result of military aggression and yet remains a beacon of cultural richness, diversity, and economic potential. The Lviv region is located in western Ukraine and shares borders to the north and northeast with the Volyn and Rivne regions. The Lviv region received hundreds of thousands of temporarily displaced persons from the east of Ukraine who left their homes due to the brutal war unleashed by Russia.

Both California and the Lviv region share common values and interests across various sectors. This resolution aims to establish a relationship with Lviv and the people of Ukraine in order to encourage and facilitate mutually beneficial educational, economic, and cultural exchanges, fostering prosperity and enhancing international understanding.

According to the Author

"California has one of the largest Ukrainian communities in the United States, so it makes sense that we forge an official bond with the Lviv region. We share many mutual values, aspirations and interests including economic cooperation, academic research, cultural exploration and technological innovation. It is important to foster this sister-state relationship to promote prosperity, understanding and goodwill within the region. Ukrainians began arriving in California in the late 19th century and now make up a population of more than 100,000 -- or one in six Ukrainian immigrants in the United States. The city of Sacramento ranks first in the nation in the share of its population that is from Ukraine. Lviv is in western Ukraine and is home to various ethnic and religious groups with a rich tradition of education and scholarship, making it an ideal educational exchange partner. It is also a key region for trade and joint initiatives to promote economic and job growth. California has made previous ties with Ukraine. It was among the first to recognize 1932-33 Holodomor tragedy, which led to the death of millions of Ukrainians. In 2014, the California Senate approved a resolution of cooperation between the California National Guard and Ukraine. Over the years, this partnership has made humanitarian support a constant aspect of every deployment, including helping with school repairs in the Lviv region."

Arguments in Support

None on file.

Arguments in Opposition

None on file.

FISCAL COMMENTS

None.

VOTES

SENATE FLOOR: 37-0-3

YES: Allen, Alvarado-Gil, Archuleta, Atkins, Blakespear, Bradford, Caballero, Cortese, Dahle, Dodd, Durazo, Eggman, Glazer, Gonzalez, Grove, Hurtado, Jones, Laird, Limón, McGuire, Menjivar, Min, Newman, Nguyen, Ochoa Bogh, Padilla, Portantino, Roth, Rubio, Seyarto, Skinner, Smallwood-Cuevas, Stern, Umberg, Wahab, Wiener, Wilk

ABS, ABST OR NV: Ashby, Becker, Niello

ASM JOBS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND THE ECONOMY: 7-0-0

YES: Villapudua, Hoover, Stephanie Nguyen, Petrie-Norris, Ramos, Soria, Wallis

UPDATED

VERSION: January 4, 2024

CONSULTANT: Carla Castilla / J., E.D., & E. / (916) 319-2090 FN: 0002740

Date of Hearing: April 16, 2024

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON JOBS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND THE ECONOMY

Carlos Villapudua, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SCR 96

Author:(Dodd) – As Introduced Ver:January 4, 2024

SENATE VOTE: 37-0

SUBJECT: Lviv region, Ukraine: sister state relationship

SUMMARY: The Senate Concurrent Resolution 96 proposes the establishment of a Sister State relationship between California and the Lviv region of Ukraine, creating a bridge to connect the two communities. The resolution aims to foster cultural exchanges, encompassing art, education, and diverse communities, promoting mutual understanding and collaboration

Specifically, this bill:

1. Extends an invitation to the people of the region of Lviv, Ukraine, to join with California in a sister state relationship.

EXISTING LAW:

The Origins of the Sister Programs: Per previous JEDE analysis, “Sister affiliations involving the US began shortly after WWII and developed into a national initiative when President Dwight D. Eisenhower proposed the People-to-People Program at a White House conference in 1956. According to research on Maryland's sister state webpage, President Eisenhower’s intention was to involve people and organized groups at all levels of society in personal, citizen diplomacy with the hope that people-to-people relationships, fostered through sister city affiliations, would lessen the chance of future world conflicts. Many sister city relationships are coordinated through the nonprofit network Sister Cities International.”

FISCAL EFFECT: None

COMMENTS: The State of California has long admired and prioritized its cultural diversity and the contributions fostered by immigrants. In the late 19th century, California received the first wave of Ukrainian immigrants. Today, California is proud to host one of the largest Ukrainian communities in the United States.

With over 100,000 Ukrainian Americans in the state, concentrated in areas such as Sacramento, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles, California has become a significant hub for Ukrainian culture and heritage. With such a profound population of Ukrainians, California has historically demonstrated solidarity with the state of Ukraine. California recognized the Holodomor tragedy of 1932–1933, commemorating it with a memorial in the Gloria Molina Grand Park and initiated a California-Ukraine National Guard Partnership in 1993.

California recognizes the unwavering resilience and strength of the Lviv region, which has undergone challenges as a result of military aggression and yet remains a beacon of cultural richness, diversity, and economic potential. The Lviv region is located in western Ukraine and shares borders to the north and northeast with the Volyn and Rivne regions. The Lviv region received hundreds of thousands of temporarily displaced persons from the east of Ukraine who left their homes due to the brutal war unleashed by Russia.

Both California and the Lviv region share common values and interests across various sectors. This resolution aims to establish a relationship with Lviv and the people of Ukraine in order to encourage and facilitate mutually beneficial educational, economic, and cultural exchanges, fostering prosperity and enhancing international understanding.

Author Statement: “California has one of the largest Ukrainian communities in the United States, so it makes sense that we forge an official bond with the Lviv region. We share many mutual values, aspirations and interests including economic cooperation, academic research, cultural exploration and technological innovation. It is important to foster this sister-state relationship to promote prosperity, understanding and goodwill within the region. Ukrainians began arriving in California in the late 19th century and now make up a population of more than 100,000 -- or one in six Ukrainian immigrants in the United States. The city of Sacramento ranks first in the nation in the share of its population that is from Ukraine. Lviv is in western Ukraine and is home to various ethnic and religious groups with a rich tradition of education and scholarship, making it an ideal educational exchange partner. It is also a key region for trade and joint initiatives to promote economic and job growth. California has made previous ties with Ukraine. It was among the first to recognize 1932-33 Holodomor tragedy, which led to the death of millions of Ukrainians. In 2014, the California Senate approved a resolution of cooperation between the California National Guard and Ukraine. Over the years, this partnership has made humanitarian support a constant aspect of every deployment, including helping with school repairs in the Lviv region.”

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

None on file

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Carla Castilla / J., E.D., & E. / (916) 319-2090

 THIRD READING 

Bill No: SCR 96

Author: Dodd (D)

Introduced: 1/4/24

Vote: 21

SUBJECT: Lviv region, Ukraine: sister state relationship

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This resolution extends an invitation to the people of the region of Lviv, Ukraine, to join with California in a sister state relationship.

ANALYSIS: This resolution makes the following legislative findings:

1. California has been a refuge and home for Ukrainian immigrants for decades.
2. Notable numbers of Ukrainians began arriving in California in the late 19th century and now California has one of the largest Ukrainian communities in the country, with about one in six Ukrainian immigrants in the United States residing in California.
3. The Lviv region is located in western Ukraine and shares borders to the north and northeast with the Volyn and Rivne regions.
4. The Lviv region received hundreds of thousands of temporarily displaced persons from the east of Ukraine who left their homes due to the brutal war unleashed by Russia.
5. California was among the first to recognize the tragedy of the Holodomor of 1932–1933 in Ukraine, including a memorial that was erected in 1986 in the Gloria Molina Grand Park in memory of the millions of dead Ukrainians, which today tells the world about the crimes of the Stalinist regime.
6. The California–Ukraine National Guard Partnership was initiated in 1993 and is one of the outcomes of, and progressive partnerships within, the United States European Command State Partnership Program. In 2014, the California State Senate approved a resolution on cooperation between the California National Guard and Ukraine. Over the years, this partnership with the California National Guard and Ukraine has made humanitarian support a constant aspect of every deployment, including helping with school repairs in the Lviv region.
7. California recognizes the unwavering resilience and strength of the Lviv region, which has undergone challenges as a result of military aggression and yet remains a beacon of cultural richness, diversity, and economic potential.
8. California acknowledges the significant contributions of the Ukrainian community residing within its borders, which has brought forth an array of talents, entrepreneurial spirit, culture, and traditions that have deeply enriched the Californian tapestry and played an invaluable role in building bridges of friendship and understanding between California and Ukraine.

This resolution:

1. Extends to the people of the Lviv region, Ukraine, on behalf of the people of California, an invitation to join with California in a sister state relationship in order to encourage and facilitate mutually beneficial educational, economic, and cultural exchanges.
2. States that through a sister state relationship with the Lviv region to further promote the prosperity of both regions and to improve international understanding and goodwill between both regions.
3. States that any sister state agreement be developed and supported through the mutual cooperation and engagement of the government and Regional Council of Lviv region, Ukraine, and the government and Legislature of California.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No

SUPPORT: (Verified 1/17/24)

Rebuild Ukraine Synergy

OPPOSITION: (Verified 1/17/24)

None received

Prepared by: Karen Chow / SFA / (916) 651-1520

1/17/24 11:48:45

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