Hartford, Conn. (WTIC Radio)-The Legislature's Appropriations Committee gave the green light to a measure creating Juneteenth as a state holiday.
It commemorates June 19th, 1865, as the end of slavery in the United States.
Sprague State Senator Cathy Osten said municipal and state budget should be able to accommodate the fiscal impact of the holiday.
The Office of Fiscal Analysis said it'll cost the state between$1.8 and $2.3 million a year.
"I plead with my colleagues if you don't know much about it to look it up. It is something very important to Black and Brown folks in the community. Something we have been waiting to celebrate for years as a holiday, " State Representative Anthony Nolan (New London) said.
The measure now heads to the State Senate.