Senator Tony Strickland has proposed a bill to build a memorial statue of Ronald Reagan.

The statue will honor the 100th birthday of Ronald Reagan, an iconic American political figure who served as Governor of California and the 40th President of the United States.

“Ronald Reagan occupies a unique place in the history of our state and our country,” said Strickland.  “His dedication and fearless leadership encouraged and strengthened our nation in the face of many critical challenges.  This memorial is a tribute to a great man who made an immeasurable contribution to the state of California and to the United States.”

The bill, titled SB 963, will use private donations to build and maintain the statue.

While the design and the location of the statue have not been determined, Senator Strickland hopes that it will be placed at the State Capitol.

The plans are part of a nationwide movement to honor the late president on February 6, 2011, which will mark his 100^th birthday.

Strickland’s proposal has the support of The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation.

“The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation believes that the proposed statue honoring Ronald Reagan would give the people of California a special opportunity to remember their Governor of eight years, whose vision of freedom and example of leadership is as important today as it was then, said John Heubusch, Executive Director of the foundation”