Radio Report: Republican lawmaker suggests changing Presidents’ Day to George Washington Day

February 19, 2025

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. John Sattgast reports.

SATTGAST: 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.

ABELL: “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 250^th anniversary. We need more attention on George Washington and not less.”

SATTGAST: George Washington’s actual birthday is February 22nd.

ABELL: “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.”

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

John Sattgast, the state Capitol.