HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  SB 6622

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                      State Government

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 Government:  2/23/00, 2/25/00 [DP].

                 Brief Summary of Bill

$Establishes Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 8 members:  Representatives McMorris, Republican Co-Chair; Romero, Democratic Co-Chair; Campbell, Republican Vice Chair; Miloscia, Democratic Vice Chair; Dunshee; Haigh; Lambert and D. Schmidt.

Staff:  Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

The Washington State Commission on Asian American Affairs exists within the Office of the Governor and consists of 12 members appointed by the Governor.  The commission must examine and define issues pertaining to the rights and needs of Asian Pacific Americans, and make recommendations to the Governor and state agencies with respect to desirable changes in programs and laws.  The commission must also advise agencies on the development and implementation of comprehensive and coordinated policies, plans, and programs focusing on the special problems and needs of Asian Pacific Americans.

Summary of Bill:

May of each year will be known as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.  The fourth week of May will be designated as a time for people to celebrate the contributions made to the state by Asian Pacific Americans.  Educational institutions, public entities, and private organizations are encouraged to designate time for appropriate activities to commemorate the lives, history, achievements, and contributions of Asian Pacific Americans.

The Washington State Commission on Asian American Affairs must coordinate and assist with statewide celebrations during the fourth week of May that recognize the contributions made to the state by Asian Pacific Americans.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  Asian American history is often ignored, which can lead to misunderstandings about Asian Americans.  Asian Americans have contributed significantly to our national and state communities.  Washington has the third largest Asian American population in the United States.  A month recognizing the contributions of Asian Americans is already recognized nationally.  Recognizing the month on the state level will help Asians and non-Asians to be more inclusive.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Santos; Miebeth Bustillo-Hutchins, Commission on Asia-Pacific American Affairs; Onotre Contreres, Commission of Hispanic Affairs; Tony Orange, Commission on African American Affairs; and Matthew Benuska, Legislative Assistant to Senator Shin.