HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 5484

BYSenators Thorsness, Bender, McDonald, Madsen, McCaslin, Patterson, Saling, Cantu, Lee and Johnson

Creating Washington national guard day.

House Committe on State Government

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (8)

      Signed by Representatives Todd, Chair; Anderson, Vice Chair; McLean, Ranking Republican Member; R. Fisher, Hankins, R. King, Morris and O'Brien.

House Staff:Barbara McLain (786-7135)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

FEBRUARY 22, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Washington National Guard was formally created by the Militia Act of 1888.  Under the direction of the adjutant general, the Guard now is comprised of almost 9,000 men and women serving in the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard.  Over 1,000 of those men and women are full-time staff.  The Guard may be called into active duty by either the President of the United States or the governor.  In the past the Guard has performed search and rescue missions, assisted in emergencies and natural disasters, fought forest fires, and supported law enforcement in drug interdiction.

Washington currently has two recognition days, Columbus Day (October 12) and Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day (April 9).

SUMMARY:

January 26 of each year is designated as Washington Army and Air National Guard Day.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Maureen Flak, National Guard Association; and Garret Plendl and Gail Martin, Washington National Guard.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The National Guard is beginning to play a more prominent role in the nation's overall defense scheme.  Anything done to recognize and honor the service of these individuals would help recruitment and retention of men and women in the Guard.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.