SENATE BILL REPORT
SJM 8014
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 Senate Committee On:
Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections, February 2, 2012
Brief Description: Requesting a reduction in federal military spending by ending the war in Afghanistan.
Sponsors: Senators Chase and Tom.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections: 2/02/12 [DP, DNP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Pridemore, Chair; Prentice, Vice Chair; Chase and Nelson.
Minority Report: Do not pass.
Signed by Senator Swecker, Ranking Minority Member.
Staff: Sam Thompson (786-7413)
Background: The Legislature may approve joint memorials requesting the President, Congress, federal agencies, or other states to act on matters of concern.
Summary of Bill: A joint memorial addressed to the President, Congress, and legislatures of other states requests that Congress and the President:
change course by ending the war in Afghanistan;
dramatically shift national priorities to create stable jobs at living wages for all who seek employment;
restore vital social programs and public services;
rebuild the nation's deteriorating infrastructure; and
put the nation on an environmentally sustainable, ecologically responsible path addressing climate change and environmental degradation while reinvigorating jobs and the economy.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The U.S. should end its involvement in the costly war in Afghanistan, a conflict in which many service members and Afghanis have died, borne wounds, or otherwise suffered. Service members should be brought home. The U.S. annually spends $1 million per service member in Afghanistan. The U.S. should instead fund pressing social, health, and educational needs and address environmental issues. This measure increases public awareness and should be passed to send a message to the federal government and other states.
CON: The Veterans Legislative Coalition strongly opposes this measure. This is a federal issue, managed by federal agencies.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Chase, prime sponsor; Ralph T. Nation, Chuck Schultz, Bourtai Hargrove, Jody Mackey, Douglas Mackey, Kaeley Pruitt-Hamm, Fellowship of Reconciliation; Molly Gibbs, Move to Amend Oly; Susan Segal, Nina Laboy, American Friends Service Committee; Robert Whitlock, Occupy Olympia/Wall Street, Fellowship of Reconciliation; Larry Kerschner, Western WA Veterans for Peace; Stephen Evans, Friends Committee on WA Public Policy; Dennis W. Mills, Bill Nerin, Dorli Rainey, Maggie Reardon, citizens.
CON: Dick Marcelynas, Veterans Legislative Coalition.