Bill Overview
Title: To authorize the Thomas Paine Memorial Association to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill authorizes the Thomas Paine Memorial Association to establish a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia in honor of the philosopher and patriot, Thomas Paine. Thomas Paine is best known for writing Common Sense , a pamphlet that helped to inspire the Revolutionary War. The establishment of the commemorative work shall be in accordance with the Commemorative Works Act. Federal funds may not be used to pay any expense to establish the commemorative work.
Sponsors: Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals interested in commemorative works and American history
Estimated Size: 300000
- The bill involves the creation of a commemorative work dedicated to Thomas Paine, who was a prominent historical figure, especially known in the context of American history.
- Commemorative works typically attract visitors, including those interested in history, philosophy, and Americana.
- Residents and tourists in Washington, D.C. will likely be impacted as they visit the newly established memorial.
- Non-profit organizations, educators, and historians who focus on American history and revolutionary figures may find the commemorative work beneficial for educational purposes.
- Local businesses in Washington, D.C. may see economic benefits from increased tourism associated with the commemorative work.
Reasoning
- The policy concerns historical commemoration through physical infrastructure which appeals to niche interest groups.
- Impacts will concentrate around areas experiencing increased foot traffic and tourism, primarily in Washington, D.C.
- Budget constraints suggest initial impacts are more on the conceptual and organizational level rather than large-scale immediate change.
- Wellbeing impacts mostly affect people with a strong interest in historical commemoration, education professionals, and local businesses.
- General population impacts are minimal due to the niche target group and geographic focus.
Simulated Interviews
tour guide (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think adding a memorial for Thomas Paine is a great initiative. More historical spots mean more places for me to take tourists.
- I expect this would boost my tour visits, especially with increased promotional interest in revolutionary history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
history professor (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's fantastic to see a visionary like Thomas Paine getting recognized. I would use this memorial as a resource for teaching my students.
- Such commemorations are vital for keeping history alive and relevant.
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 | 9 | 8 |
artist (Chicago, IL)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Although it's not directly related to my work, I can see the potential for new art projects inspired by the memorial.
- Public art and memorials play a role in cultural expression which could indirectly influence my work.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
retired (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It sounds interesting! I'd love to visit any new memorials developed.
- History is a great passion of mine, and I often travel to sites of historical significance.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This memorial adds great resources for students like me. It's fascinating to see such initiatives.
- I might plan a visit to D.C. to check it out as part of my studies.
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 |
small business owner (Houston, TX)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- New historical landmarks mean new stops for cultural tours. This could expand my business offerings.
- Though mostly pertinent to the D.C. area, it may initiate partnerships there.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
librarian (Dallas, TX)
Age: 53 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The idea is marvelous. Libraries might see increased interest in Paine's works and other related literature.
- This can serve as a cultural catalyst for educational growth.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
software engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Though my field is tech, I appreciate walks through historical and philosophical ideas - visiting this would be a personal interest.
- It would likely expand my perspective on American ideological heritage.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
educator (Seattle, WA)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Commemorating figures like Paine can be very beneficial in teaching children about pivotal historical shifts.
- I would incorporate this new knowledge into my curriculum, fostering broader awareness.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
historian (Boston, MA)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a meaningful development. It vindicates the importance of historical study and advocacy.
- Visibly, this national recognition will encourage further scholarship in the field.
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 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $10000 (Low: $5000, High: $20000)
Year 2: $10000 (Low: $5000, High: $20000)
Year 3: $10000 (Low: $5000, High: $20000)
Year 5: $10000 (Low: $5000, High: $20000)
Year 10: $10000 (Low: $5000, High: $20000)
Year 100: $10000 (Low: $5000, High: $20000)
Key Considerations
- Any federal costs incurred post-establishment may arise from maintenance, security, or promotional activities.
- Local economic impacts could vary, with potential increases in foot traffic benefiting nearby businesses.