BLUE STAR MOTHERS DAY; DESIGNATE S.B. 235:
ANALYSIS AS ENACTED
Senate Bill 235 (as enacted) PUBLIC ACT 69 of 2024
Senate Committee: Veterans and Emergency Services
House Committee: Government Operations
RATIONALE
Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. is an organization of mothers and female guardians of individuals who are military members or veterans. The organization was founded on January 21, 1942, in Flint. According to testimony before the Senate Committee on Veterans and Emergency Services, the organization does many things in support of military members and their families across the State, including financial assistance for off-duty veterans. To honor the work done by Blue Star Mothers of America, it was suggested that February 1 be designated as "Blue Star Mothers Day".
CONTENT
The bill enacted a new law to declare February 1 of each year as "Blue Star Mothers Day", in recognition of the contributions that Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. has made to Michigan and the nation.
The bill includes a legislative finding that "Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. is a national organization of mothers whose sons and daughters serve honorably in the nation's armed forces." The organization was founded in Flint, MI in 1942. The bill states that the organization's purposes and activities include the following:
-- "Perpetuating the memory of the men and women who have served our country as members of the armed forces."
-- "Welcoming home returning veterans."
-- "Visiting wounded veterans in hospitals and rehabilitation centers."
-- "Assisting in veterans' ceremonies."
-- "Attending patriotic rallies and meetings."
-- "Maintaining true allegiance to the government of the United States."
-- "Upholding the American institutions of freedom, justice, and equal rights."
-- "Caring for the unsupported mothers who gave their sons and daughters to the service of the nation."
-- "Providing moral support for members."
The bill took effect on October 6, 2024.
PREVIOUS LEGISLATION (Please note: This section does not provide a comprehensive account of all previous legislative efforts on the relevant subject matter.)
The bill was a reintroduction of Senate Bill 90 from the 2017-2018 Legislative Session. Senate Bill 90 was reported by the Senate Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs and Homeland Security but received no further action. In addition, the bill was a companion bill to House Bill 4047, which passed the House and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans and Emergency Services.
BACKGROUND
On January 22, 1942, the Flint Advertiser printed an advertisement in the form of a coupon that asked all mothers of servicemen to share their stories and mail back upon completion. Ten days later, on February 1, 300 mothers of servicemen met at the Durant Hotel in Flint. The author of the advertisement Captain George H. Maines chaired over the first meeting of the organization that would become the Blue Star Mothers. After the Flint Advertiser received 1,000 responses to its coupon advertisement, Blue Star Mothers became a permanent organization. The Blue Star Mothers were very active during World War II, working in hospitals and train stations and packing care packages for troops fighting in the European and Pacific theatres. Blue Star Mothers, Inc. still supports veterans and active-duty servicemen and women in America.[1]
ARGUMENTS
(Please note: The arguments contained in this analysis originate from sources outside the Senate Fiscal Agency. The Senate Fiscal Agency neither supports nor opposes legislation.)
Supporting Argument
Michigan is the birthplace of Blue Star Mothers, Inc. In recognition of the organization's Michigan heritage, February 1 should be designated as "Blue Star Mothers Day".
Legislative Analyst: Alex Krabill
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill will have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: Joe Carrasco, Jr.
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
[1] Blue Star Mothers of America, History of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., 2020.
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.