HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1560
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
Title: An act relating to recognizing the thirty-first of March as Cesar Chavez Day.
Brief Description: Recognizing the thirty-first of March as Cesar Chavez Day.
Sponsors: Representatives Hudgins, Ortiz-Self, Ryu, Moscoso, Reykdal, Gregerson, Peterson, Bergquist, Santos, McBride and Ormsby.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
State Government: 2/3/15, 2/19/15 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives S. Hunt, Chair; Bergquist, Vice Chair; Holy, Ranking Minority Member; Van Werven, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Gregory and Hawkins.
Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).
Background:
In addition to legal holidays, the state recognizes certain days of the year for various purposes. For example, April 9 is recognized as Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, the second Sunday in October is recognized as Washington State Children's Day, and June 19 is recognized as Juneteenth, a day of remembrance for the day the slaves learned of their freedom.
Cesar Chavez, a Mexican-American born March 31, 1927, was an American farm worker, labor leader, and civil rights activist that worked to improve the treatment, pay, and working conditions of farm workers. He co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers Union. He died April 23, 1993. His birthday, March 31, is recognized as a state holiday in California, Colorado, and Texas. Streets, parks, and buildings across the nation have been named in his honor. On October 8, 2012, President Obama proclaimed the former headquarters of the United Farm Workers as the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument under the authority of the Antiquities Act.
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Summary of Bill:
The March 31 is recognized as Cesar Chavez Day, but is not considered a legal holiday.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The achievements of Cesar Chavez are recognized, as well as his contributions to agricultural activities. Chavez fought for justice for farm workers. Cesar Chavez grew up in the depression era and faced many obstacles and injustices. The principles Chavez fought for are still relevant today. Eight states celebrate his birthday, and three states declare his birthday as a state holiday. Officially recognizing Cesar Chavez day is about recognizing a hero. Our culture lacks true heroes. Chavez was a person of humble means who did great things for our communities and our country. Cesar Chavez had vision and supported his principles through nonviolence. He was a community leader and founded United Farm Workers. His legacy as an educator and civil rights leader should be recognized.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Hudgins, prime sponsor; Sister Susan Wells, Sisters of the Holy Names; and Gloria Burton, Catholic Community Services of Western Washington.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.