HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2346

BYRepresentatives Jacobsen, Appelwick, Jones and Prentice

Adding submarine veterans of World War II to the list of organizations represented on the veterans affairs advisory committee.

House Committe on State Government

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (9)

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

House Staff:Barbara McLain (786-7135)

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 12, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee.  The Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee is a governor-appointed body of 15 members that serves in an advisory capacity to the governor and the director of the Department of Veterans Affairs.  The committee is composed of:  two veterans at large, (one being a Vietnam era veteran); two veterans representing Washington soldier homes at Orting and Retsil; and one representative from 11 of the various Congressionally chartered veteran organizations.

Submarine Veterans of World War II.  The Submarine Veterans of World War II is a Congressionally-chartered organization with a membership of 15,000 nationally. The Washington State chapter, with 252 members, holds monthly meetings throughout the state and participates in annual national and regional conventions.

SUMMARY:

A representative of Submarine Veterans of World War II becomes the 16th appointed member of the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Representative Ken Jacobsen, prime sponsor; and John Fankhauser, U.S. Submarine Veterans of World War II.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The Submarine Veterans is the only federally chartered veterans organization not recognized on the advisory committee.  There are 252 regular members in Washington and their input would be a useful addition to the department.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.