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.

Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections
House Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs

Background: Since 1974, Washington has maintained a Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs charged with improving 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 on Asian Pacific American Affairs 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: The state designates January 13 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. Korean-Americans are encouraged to honor the sacrifices made by American citizens during the Korean War.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      48   0
House      94   0

Effective:   July 22, 2007