HR 4616
In CommitteeHouse
Dairy day
Celebrating Dairy Day.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
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- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
House Resolution 4616 formally recognizes and celebrates Washington’s dairy industry on February 11, 2025, acknowledging its long history, economic importance, and role in community well-being. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as an official expression of support and appreciation.
- Designates February 11, 2025, as Dairy Day at the legislature, during which legislators will meet with dairy producers and sample Washington-grown dairy products.
- Recognizes that Washington's dairy industry began before statehood—cows arrived in 1838, and the first creamery opened in Cheney in 1880.
- Highlights that 260 family-owned dairy farms operate across 27 of Washington’s 39 counties, supporting a sector valued at over $1 billion annually.
- Notes that Washington ranks 10th nationally in total milk production and has 33 certified organic dairies.
- Affirms that dairy is a key part of a healthy diet, as recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate guidelines.
Who is affected
- Washington dairy farmers — Dairy farmers and their families who operate farms across the state, recognized for their economic and community contributions.
- Washington residents — Consumers who rely on locally produced dairy products as part of a healthy diet.
- Communities in rural Washington — Local economies in 27 counties where dairy farms operate, benefiting from the industry's over $1 billion annual economic impact.
- Washington State Legislature — State legislators and staff who participate in Dairy Day events to learn about and support the dairy industry.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (5)
Formal legislative recognition elevates the profile of a sector employing ~260 farms and supporting ~1,000–2,000 direct/indirect jobs across 27 counties, potentially improving market access, consumer loyalty, and political advocacy clout for small-to-mid-sized farms.
Business & EmploymentPeopleRef: WHEREAS, There are nearly 260 family dairy farms in Washington state... economic impact valued over one billion dollarsHighlighting dairy as part of a healthy diet reinforces public health messaging that supports access to affordable, nutrient-dense foods—especially important for low-income families relying on federal nutrition programs (e.g., WIC, school lunches) where dairy is a key protein and calcium source.
HealthcarePeopleRef: WHEREAS, Families across Washington have depended on the safe and nutritious dairy products provided by the dairy farmers of Washington state for generationsRecognition may strengthen support for rural infrastructure (e.g., roads, broadband, emergency services) and local tax bases in counties where dairy is a top agricultural commodity, though the resolution itself does not allocate new funding.
Local GovernmentPeopleRef: WHEREAS, Dairy farms can be found in 27 of Washington's 39 counties... economic impact valued over one billion dollarsAcknowledging organic dairies may encourage consumer preference for local organic products, potentially improving margins for smaller farms adopting sustainable practices—though benefits are likely concentrated among those already certified, not all small farms.
Business & EmploymentLean peopleRef: WHEREAS, There are 33 certified organic dairies in WashingtonSymbolic recognition affirms the dignity of agricultural labor and reinforces cultural value of food production—though it carries no legal or policy weight, it may improve social standing and reduce stigma for rural workers.
Rights & LibertiesRef: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives acknowledge and honor the women and men whose work on dairy farms...
Who Is Most Affected
Directly benefits from increased public visibility and goodwill; may translate into stronger consumer loyalty, better negotiating power with processors, and increased political support for future policy initiatives (e.g., labor, environmental, or trade measures). However, the resolution itself imposes no new obligations or costs.
Consumers gain reaffirmation of dairy’s nutritional value, which may support continued public funding for school meals and WIC—but since the resolution is symbolic, there is no direct change in price, availability, or quality of dairy products.
Rural communities benefit from the framing of dairy as an economic anchor, potentially strengthening local advocacy for infrastructure and services—but without new funding, the tangible impact is limited to reputational and morale gains.
Legislators gain an opportunity to engage constituents and showcase support for agriculture, but the resolution imposes no new duties beyond ceremonial participation in Dairy Day events. Staff time and logistical costs are minimal and already within existing legislative operations.