Bill Overview
Title: To provide for the posthumous commission as a captain in the regular Army of Milton Holland, who, while sergeant major of the 5th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, was awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry during the Civil War.
Description: This bill provides for the posthumous commission of Milton Holland, who served as a sergeant major of the 5th Regiment of the United States Colored Infantry, as a captain in the regular Army.
Sponsors: Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals with a connection or interest in the legacy of Milton Holland and the 5th Regiment of the United States Colored Infantry
Estimated Size: 1000000
- The bill addresses the historical correction of ranks for a specific individual, Milton Holland, who served in the Civil War.
- Milton Holland was a member of the United States Colored Infantry, which may have historical and cultural significance for African American communities.
- The immediate impact of the bill is symbolic, honoring the legacy of Milton Holland.
- Individuals and communities interested in the history of the Civil War and military awards might find this bill significant.
Reasoning
- The policy mainly affects a niche population interested in Civil War history and African American military heritage, which limits the number of people who may experience a change in self-reported wellbeing.
- Symbolic recognition is likely to have varied impacts, from no personal change for people with no connection to a deeper sense of historical justice in those aware of similar injustices.
- Given the low financial budget, it is clear that the policy's main effects are honorary and symbolic rather than substantive in material change.
- The population interested in this policy might experience indirect improvements in wellbeing due to increased social awareness rather than direct personal benefits.
- Wellbeing impacts are expected to be more cultural and psychological, with long-term educational benefits as historical narratives evolve.
- Given the target population is relatively small, at an estimated 1,000,000 in the US, the policy's immediate effect may primarily center on awareness in educational contexts.
Simulated Interviews
retired school teacher (Georgia)
Age: 68 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's about time Milton Holland's contributions were acknowledged.
- This recognition can be used to teach youngsters more about our real history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Civil War history professor (Ohio)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy helps cement the role of African Americans in history.
- It will enrich my lectures and publications.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
retired military veteran (Virginia)
Age: 75 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Feels personal pride and justice from this overdue recognition.
- Always advocated for better historical representation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
social worker (California)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Important for community morale to honor historical figures.
- Hope it fosters more inclusivity in history education.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
history student (New York)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a step towards inclusive historical scholarship.
- It motivates me as a student to pursue these stories more.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
high school history teacher (Illinois)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This kind of recognition helps to create a richer curriculum.
- It shows my students that progress is possible.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
local historian (Texas)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Local stories gaining national recognition can boost tourism.
- It's a wonderful instance of symbolic justice.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
museum curator (Pennsylvania)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like this enhance the narratives museums can tell.
- Educational institutions can benefit greatly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
grad student - education (North Carolina)
Age: 26 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Encourages the academic community to prioritize diverse histories.
- Pushes for broader curricular changes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
historian (Michigan)
Age: 54 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Milton Holland's recognition is a corrective step.
- Affects how upcoming generations might study these topics.
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 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $10000 (Low: $5000, High: $20000)
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 bill is largely ceremonial and aims to correct historical military records.
- Costs are primarily administrative and related to record-keeping.
- There is significant symbolic importance in terms of historical recognition.