SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5515

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

State & Local Government, February 12, 2001

Title:  An act relating to the state veterans' song.

Brief Description:  Establishing a state veterans' song.

Sponsors:  Senators Roach, Rasmussen, Fairley, Kastama, Oke, Hewitt, T. Sheldon, Stevens and Winsley.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  2/12/01 [DP, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Patterson, Chair; Fairley, Vice Chair; Hale, Kline, McCaslin, Roach, T. Sheldon and Swecker.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

Signed by Senators Haugen and Horn.

Staff:  Diane Smith (786‑7410)

Background:  There are various official symbols of the state.  Some of these include the western hemlock as the official tree; bluebunch wheatgrass as the official grass; ?Roll On Columbia, Roll On,@ as the official folk song; and the square dance as the official dance.

Summary of Bill:  The song ?Thanks to Them@ by Jerry Hayes is the official veterans= song of the state of Washington.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This song is appropriate to honor all veterans because it does not mention any one group; it just says, "Thanks."

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Chuck Lawrence, Veterans Legislative Coalition (pro).