Governor Gregoire Signs Legislation to Promote Veteran-Owned Businesses

For Immediate Release: April 9, 2007

Window sticker will advertise businesses as veteran-owned

OLYMPIA - Governor Chris Gregoire today signed into law a measure to create a public list of veteran-owned businesses in Washington and a sticker or decal to help identify those businesses for consumers.

�Washingtonians are proud of our veterans and we are proud to support their locally-owned businesses,� said Governor Gregoire. �They have interrupted their personal and professional lives to serve their country; making it easier to support their businesses is a small but meaningful step to thank them for their service.�

To be included on the list and receive a �veteran-owned� window sticker, businesses will submit an application to the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs. The department will make the list of veteran-owned businesses available on its web site.

Senate Bill 5253, sponsored by Sen. Derek Kilmer (D-Gig Harbor) passed the House with 94 votes and passed the Senate with 48 votes. The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the Legislative session.

Gov. Gregoire Signs Legislation to Designate January 13 as Korean-American Day

Governor Gregoire today also signed into law a measure that designates January 13 of each year as a day to honor Korean-Americans.

�Korean-Americans are a vital part of our communities and recognizing their culture and heritage makes our state a more vibrant place,� said Governor Gregoire.

The day will honor the contributions that Korean-Americans have made to our society and the sacrifices made during the Korean War.

Other special days already recognized by the state include Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day (April 9), Army and Air National Guard Day (January 26) and Civil Liberties Remembrance Day (February 19).

Engrossed Senate Bill 5166, sponsored by Sen. Paul Shin (D-Edmonds), passed the House with 94 votes and passed the Senate with 48 votes. The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the Legislative session

Additional Bill Action Today

Governor Gregoire today also signed the following bills into law:

• SB 5011 - Removing the expiration date on the 2006 beer and wine distribution bill.
• SSB 5191 - Modifying missing persons provisions.
• SB 5620 - Clarifying the authority of the Civil Service Commissions for Sheriffs' Offices.
• SSB 5625 - Authorizing counties and cities to contract for jail services with counties and cities in adjacent states.
• SB 5635 - Revising provisions relating to limitations on polygraph tests.
• SB 5759 - Including the boards of trustees of technical colleges in the definition of "executive state officer."
• SSB 5898 - Authorizing the use of a common carrier for the shipment of wine.
• SSB 5952 - Correcting provisions for the Department of Early Learning.
• SB 5957 - Revising provisions relating to administrative practices concerning the information processing and communications systems of the legislature overseen by the Joint Legislative Systems Committee.

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