OLYMPIA, Wash. — A bill to make June 19th, also known as “Juneteenth” a legal holiday is moving ahead in the Washington Legislature.
The bill’s text says Juneteenth is a holiday that celebrates the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States.
HB1019 is sponsored locally by Democratic representatives Sharon Shewmake, Debra Lekanoff, and Alex Ramel of the 40th and 42nd Districts.
Democratic Representative Melanie Morgan said the measure is about more than just a holiday; it is about true recognition and acknowledgement that slavery did happen in this country.
Republican Representative Robert Sutherland said the measure would be costly, noting that it’s been estimated that the cost will be about $7 million per year for government employees getting a paid day off.
The bill passed out of the House Ways and Means Committee Friday and now moves on the Rules Committee.