Washington state rings in the new with a nod to the old as Governor Jay Inslee officially added Lunar New Year to the state's list of recognized holidays. The bill, known as House Bill 2209, was signed into law on Wednesday, as reported by KING5, marking a significant step towards inclusivity for the state's Asian community.
"This is a momentous occasion for inclusivity and understanding," said Representative My-Linh Thai, a Vietnamese refugee who sponsored the bill, in a statement obtained by NBC Right Now. The measure sailed through the House with a lopsided 96-1 vote on January 31st, and later, the Senate gave unanimous approval on February 28th. The passage of the bill sends a clear signal that the heritage of future generations is not only respected but celebrated in the Evergreen State.
Lunar New Year, which can fall anywhere between late January and mid-February, is based on a lunar or lunisolar calendar. Celebrations for the Year of the Dragon kicked off on February 10 this year. The new holiday recognizes a time of joy, family reunions, and traditions that billions around the world share, as highlighted by KHQ. Schools, government entities, and cultural organizations are encouraged to observe and celebrate the day.
The demographic significance of this recognition is clear, with Asians constituting over 15% of the Seattle population, according to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. The move to legislatively acknowledge Lunar New Year illustrates Washington's embrace of its diverse tapestry and the vibrant contributions of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. During the signing, lawmakers and members of AANHPI communities joined Governor Inslee, reinforcing the collective spirit underlying this decision.
