STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS27336 / HCR032
The purpose of this Resolution is to recognize the historical significance of our nation's motto "In God We
Trust." President Abraham Lincoln was the first President to recognize the importance of these four words. In
a time of national strife and Civil War, President Lincoln's Secretary of the Treasury, Salmon Chase, received
a request from a Pennsylvanian calling for some recognition of God in a national motto. While some would
say this motto represents one faith, its purpose was proposed to bring the nation back to one united country,
which embraces many different faiths and spiritual persuasions. The motto also recognizes the significant trust
it took for the first Europeans to leave their family roots and sail off into an unknown world. It recognizes the
faith of so many of American immigrants of all previous and current generations who recognized something
very unique about our great nation. It was a recognition that true freedom originates from a source higher
than any king or government. The authors of our nation's Declaration of Independence openly declared the
following: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men [and women] are created equal, that they are
endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of
Happiness.The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States declares the following: We the People of the
United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide
for the common defence [sic], promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves
and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. Placing "In God
We Trust" in the Senate and House Chambers will acknowledge the importance that these four little words have
had on the formation of our nation and will serve as a constant reminder of the importance of the work done in
the Idaho Legislature as we serve at a higher standard as members of the Idaho Legislature.
FISCAL NOTE
There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund as private contributions will fund imprinting costs.
Contact:
Rick D. Youngblood, Representative
(208) 332-1059
Chuck Winder, Senator
(208) 332-1305
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 02/11/2020, 8:06 AM