Bill Overview
Title: National Service Animals Memorial Act
Description: This bill authorizes the National Service Animals Monument Corporation to establish a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia to commemorate the heroic deeds and sacrifices of service animals and handlers of service animals in the United States. The corporation shall be solely responsible for the acceptance of contributions for, and the payment of the expenses of, the establishment of the commemorative work. The establishment of the commemorative work shall be in accordance with the Commemorative Works Act. Federal funds may not be used to pay any expenses for the establishment of the commemorative work.
Sponsors: Rep. Wild, Susan [D-PA-7]
Target Audience
Population: People connected with or benefitting from service animals
Estimated Size: 1000000
- The bill is focused on establishing a monument, affecting primarily those who have an interest in or connection to service animals, such as trainers, recipients, and handlers.
- The general public may also be affected, especially those residing in or visiting the District of Columbia, as the monument will become a part of the public space.
- Service animal organizations and advocacy groups might be closely associated with the bill as it supports their mission to gain recognition for service animals.
Reasoning
- The bill is focused on establishing a monument, affecting primarily those who have an interest in or connection to service animals, such as trainers, recipients, and handlers.
- The general public may also be affected, especially those residing in or visiting the District of Columbia, as the monument will become a part of the public space.
- Service animal organizations and advocacy groups might be closely associated with the bill as it supports their mission to gain recognition for service animals.
Simulated Interviews
Service Dog Trainer (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this monument is a wonderful way to honor the dedication of both service animals and their handlers.
- While this doesn't change my day-to-day work, it acknowledges the important role service animals play.
- It's important for DC residents and visitors to understand and appreciate the contributions of service animals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Service Animal Handler (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The monument is a great step towards acknowledging the importance of service animals.
- I feel proud to be part of a community that's being recognized.
- While it doesn't impact my immediate needs, it's a step towards broader awareness and understanding.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Veterinarian specializing in service animals (Chicago, IL)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having a symbol of recognition in our nation's capital is an achievement.
- This monument could help push for more stringent healthcare policies for service animals.
- I'm hopeful that it raises awareness of the needs and sacrifices involved.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Service Animal Beneficiary (New York, NY)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's comforting to see public recognition for service animals and their handlers.
- While the monument itself doesn't change anything for me personally, it represents progress for acceptance.
- I hope it encourages others to appreciate the role of service animals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Retired Service Animal Foster (Dallas, TX)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The monument feels like a big 'thank you' to everyone involved with service animals.
- It probably won't affect the fostering community directly, but it's validating our work.
- I hope this encourages more people to volunteer in fostering programs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
College Student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 23 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The monument is a positive symbol for animal rights and the roles they play in society.
- I think it's an important reminder for people about the significance of service animals.
- As a student, I'm hopeful this brings more conversation to universities about service animal policies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Non-profit Executive Director (Houston, TX)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A monument serves as a testament to the hard work put into training by organizations like ours.
- It might increase interest and donations, which is beneficial for the community.
- I am hopeful it elevates the conversation around service animals and their importance.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Police Officer (Raleigh, NC)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This monument highlights the critical role of service animals in various occupations, including law enforcement.
- It may not change our protocols but adds a sense of pride and acknowledgment.
- I see this as a step towards better funding and care resources for service animals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Museum Curator (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The monument will become a significant part of the social history landscape in D.C.
- It underscores the evolving representation of non-human contributions in national narratives.
- This could inspire future exhibits on the history of service animals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Software Developer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The monument is a commendable initiative, reflecting society’s appreciation of service animals.
- It doesn't affect my work or daily life, but it does offer emotional support.
- I'm glad the importance of service animals is being recognized on such a public platform.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The legislative language prohibits the use of federal funds, mitigating direct cost concerns.
- The success of the project relies on the National Service Animals Monument Corporation's ability to raise sufficient private funds.
- Potential for minor economic benefits from tourism is noted but should not be overstated.