The Illinois State Senate hopes to make Ronald Reagan’s birthday a state holiday.

Ronald Reagan, the 40th president of the United States, was born in Tampico on Feb. 6, 1911. He died in June of complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

Reagan’s ties to Illinois have afforded him past recognition in the state.

Interstate 88 was renamed Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway in June because it cuts through his hometown of Dixon, according to the State of Illinois Web site.

Sen. Frank Watson (R-Greenville) has proposed a bill to make Feb. 6 an annual Reagan commemoration.

Watson said the bill has sentimental value to him.

“Reagan inspired me to get involved in politics,” Watson said. “He’s a big reason I’m a senator today.”

Watson said he graduated from Eureka College, Reagan’s alma mater.

The holiday would not require schools or government establishments to take the day off, Watson said.

The bill was referred to the rules committee, where it received a lot of support, Watson said.

Political science professor Barbara Burrell said she liked the idea of setting a day aside for Reagan.

“He was a president who had a lot of charisma,” Burrell said. “The fact he was born in Illinois is most likely the reason why we would do so much in his name.”

Burrell said Wisconsin also tried to name a stretch of highway after Reagan, but the state would not allow it because Reagan was not born there.

Reagan served as president for two terms. He was a radio disc jockey, a movie star and governor of California before becoming president.