HOUSE BILL REPORT
ESB 5166
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
State Government & Tribal Affairs
Title: An act relating to the designation of the thirteenth day of January of each year as Korean-American day.
Brief Description: Designating Korean-American day.
Sponsors: Senators Shin, Kastama, Marr, Murray, Kauffman, Kilmer, Zarelli, Eide, Berkey, Franklin, Jacobsen, Rockefeller, McAuliffe, Regala, Pridemore, Clements, Keiser, Rasmussen, Sheldon, Delvin and Roach.
Brief History:
State Government & Tribal Affairs: 3/16/07, 3/20/07 [DP].
Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT & TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Hunt, Chair; Appleton, Vice Chair; Chandler, Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Green, Kretz, McDermott and Ormsby.
Staff: Colleen Kerr (786-7168).
Background:
In December 2005, the federal government designated January 13 as national
Korean-American Day. The day commemorates the arrival of the first pioneer immigrants
from Korea to the United States on January 13, 1903.
In 1974, Washington created the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs
(Commission) in order to improve the well-being of Asian Pacific Americans. The state
recognizes May as Asian Pacific American Heritage month, and dedicates the fourth week of
May to celebrate the contributions made to the state by Asian Pacific Americans in the areas
of art, science, commerce, and education. The Commission coordinates and assists with
these celebrations.
Washington currently has nine nonlegal holidays: Columbus Day; Former Prisoner of War
Recognition Day; Washington Army and Air National Guard Day; Purple Heart Recipient
Recognition Day; Washington State Children's Day; Mother Joseph Day; Marcus Whitman
Day; Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day; and the Civil Liberties Day of Remembrance.
Summary of Bill:
January 13 is designated as Korean-American Day, to be treated as a nonlegal holiday. The
Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs is directed to coordinate and assist
educational institutions, public entities, and private organizations with celebrations of
Korean-American Day that recognize the contributions Korean-Americans have made to the
state in the arts, sciences, commerce, and education.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) In December 2005, January 13 was designated national Korean-American Day
by the United States. It commemorates the arrival of the first pioneer immigrants from Korea
to Honolulu, Hawaii on January 13, 1903. Korea and the United States have a long history of
partnership and mutual aid. One hundred forty-eight thousand Korean-Americans own
businesses in the United States, and 120,000 of those are in Washington.
Korean-Americans are hard-working and politically active in Washington. They have made
great educational, economic, and cultural contributions to this country. Recognizing their
contributions with a day of commemoration will make Korean-Americans feel proud and
appreciated for all they have achieved, and it will encourage the younger generation to work
hard, in the footsteps of their parents and grandparents. By creating Korean-American Day,
the Legislature will also make Korean-Americans feel welcome in Washington.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Shin, prime sponsor.