SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6622

              As Passed Senate, February 15, 2000

Title:  An act relating to the designation of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Brief Description:  Designating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Sponsors:  Senators Shin, Rasmussen, Kohl‑Welles, Sheahan, McAuliffe, Prentice, B. Sheldon, Winsley, Finkbeiner, Benton, Fairley, Eide, Goings, Bauer, Franklin, Haugen, Gardner, Loveland, T. Sheldon, Jacobsen, Hargrove, Kline, Fraser, Heavey, Patterson, Hale and Roach.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  1/26/2000, 2/2/2000 [DPS].

Passed Senate, 2/15/2000, 46-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6622 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Patterson, Chair; Gardner, Vice Chair; Hale, Haugen, Horn, Kline and McCaslin.

Staff:  Eugene Green (786-7405)

Background:  The Legislature has declared that it is particularly concerned with the plight of those Asian Pacific Americans who, for economic, linguistic, or cultural reasons, find themselves disadvantaged or isolated from American society and the benefits of equal opportunity.

Summary of Bill:  The Legislature declares that May of each year to be known as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.  The fourth week of May is designated as a time for people of this state to celebrate contributions to the state by Asian Pacific Americans; and educational institutions, public entities, and private organizations are encouraged to commemorate the lives, history, achievements, and contributions of Asian Pacific Americans.

The State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs coordinates and assists statewide celebrations during the fourth week of Asian Pacific Heritage Month.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  The bill takes effect April 30, 2000.

Testimony For:  This will allow us not only to develop pride as a community, but to allow us to build bridges to others.  We can be better appreciated if others better understand our culture and accomplishments.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Miebeth Bustillo-Autchins, Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs; Sharon Tomiko Santos, House - 37^th; Louis Watanabe, National Association Asian American Prof., Asian Counseling & Referral Service; Aaron Owada, Japanese American Citizens League; Dave Goggerty, V.C.C. Chair; Karen Gose, Asia Pacific Cultural Center.