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Bill

SR 8661

Recognizing the Washington National Guard.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Conway and 4 co-sponsors

Washington Senate recognizes and thanks the Washington National Guard and its 8,000+ members, families, and employers for disaster response, state safety, and community programs.

Adopted.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 8661

Senate Resolution 8661 — Recognizing the Washington National Guard

Overview

SR 8661 is a ceremonial, non-binding resolution adopted by the Washington State Senate on January 24, 2024. It formally recognizes and expresses appreciation for the Washington National Guard (WNG) and its members, families, and employers, highlighting their service to the state and nation. As a resolution, it does not amend statutes or create new obligations or funding.

Purpose and Intent

  • Acknowledge the dedication, leadership, and broad service of more than 8,000 Washington National Guard members.
  • Thank families and employers for their support, which enables Guard members to fulfill missions both at home and abroad.
  • Emphasize the Guard’s role in state safety, security, economic vitality, and community well-being.
  • Highlight the Guard’s contributions to community life through facilities like Readiness Centers and Armories and its educational and youth programs.

Key Provisions and Highlights

  • Recognition of the Guard as leaders in state, regional, and national preparedness residing across Washington’s legislative districts.
  • Acknowledgement of the Guard’s emergency response efforts, including protection of lives, infrastructure, and property during disasters and emergencies.
  • Specific mention of the Washington National Guard’s COVID-19 response: more than 1,200 service members supported state agencies, local jurisdictions, tribes, and nonprofits for over 18 months.
  • Noting 2022 deployments to support communities facing floods in Lewis County and heavy snow removal in Leavenworth.
  • Reference to ongoing training and adaptation to emerging threats, including cyber security challenges, to safeguard national and state interests.
  • Recognition of Guard members’ support for federal missions abroad, with deployments to Jordan, Poland, Germany, Thailand, and Malaysia.
  • Highlighting the Washington Youth Challenge Academy as a program that improves lives and educational outcomes for young people.
  • Acknowledgment of the Readiness Centers and Armories’ value to communities, education, quality of life, and local economies.
  • Formal expression of thanks to families and employers for their essential support to the Guard’s mission.
  • Statement of the Senate’s view that a strong Washington National Guard contributes to the state’s viability, economy, safety, security, and well-being.
  • Direction to transmit copies of the resolution to the Adjutant General of the Washington National Guard, the Governor, the Secretaries of the U.S. Army and Air Force, and the President of the United States.

Affected Parties

  • Washington National Guard soldiers and airmen/airwomen and their families
  • Guard-supported communities and employers
  • Readiness Centers and Armories within the state
  • State and federal officials referenced in the transmission

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: January 24, 2024
  • Status: Adopted by the Senate on January 24, 2024
  • Transmission: Copies to specified state and federal officials
  • Nature: Ceremonial, non-binding resolution; no fiscal or statutory changes

Potential Impact

  • Public recognition and appreciation of the Washington National Guard’s service.
  • Heightened awareness of the Guard’s roles in disaster response, national security, and community programs.
  • Encourages continued support from families, employers, and local communities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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