OLYMPIA, Wash. — A bill recognizing the Lunar New Year as a holiday in Washington state passed out of one House committee on Friday and will head to another before a potential vote.
House Bill 2209 would establish Lunar New Year, observed by billions globally, as a legislatively recognized holiday.
Rep. My-Linh Thai (D-Bellevue), a Vietnamese refugee, said recognizing the Lunar New Year as a holiday "underscores the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities’ strength and fosters a more inclusive Washington."
“It acknowledges our legacy of enriching cultures, economic development, advocacy for social justice, and innovation and creativity," Thai said.
The bill passed the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations on Friday. It will head to the House Rules Committee, where it awaits being pulled for a vote on the House floor.
“As we step into the Year of the Dragon let’s embrace shared understanding and build genuine connection," Thai said.
The Lunar New Year is the beginning of the year based on the lunar or lunisolar calendar, which follows the moon's phases and the sun's phases at the same time.
This year's Lunar New Year celebrations ushering in the Year of the Dragon will be on Feb. 10.
For a daily roundup of everything you need to know for across western Washington, sign up for our 5 Things to Know email newsletter.
Watch: What does it mean to celebrate Lunar New Year
