OLYMPIA, WA – While legislative Democrats are promoting a bill that would remove George Washington from the Washington State flag, a House Republican lawmaker has proposed legislation to honor the nation’s first president further.

House Bill 1446 would officially change the state holiday of Presidents’ Day to George Washington’s Birthday observed. Representative Hunter Abell of Inchelium is the bill sponsor.

“I think this is interesting that there’s this effort to really remove George Washington from the history books. I think we need to be going in the other direction as we approach America’s 250th anniversary. We need more attention on George Washington and not less,” said Abell.

George Washington’s actual birthday is February 22nd.

“I’ve said let’s take the current day, celebrated as Presidents’ Day and call it ‘George Washington’s Birthday observed,’ so there’s a day set aside to recognize the life and the legacy of George Washington,” said Abell.

A public hearing has been held on the bill, and it now awaits action in the House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee.