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: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Target Audience
Population: People who use or support the use of service animals
Estimated Size: 10000000
- The population most directly impacted by this bill will be those who have worked with or are otherwise connected to service animals (such as handlers), as well as supporters and advocates of service animals.
- Veterans and individuals with disabilities who benefit from service animals will have historical recognition through this monument.
- The general public, including residents and tourists in the District of Columbia, will also be impacted as they gain educational and historical perspectives on the role of service animals.
- In a broader sense, this could raise awareness and appreciation for service animals nationwide and perhaps globally.
Reasoning
- The policy is symbolic and has no direct financial implications or resources dedicated to the improvement of day-to-day life, hence it will likely not have a significant impact on the Cantril self-reported wellbeing scores of individuals.
- However, the policy will raise awareness and appreciation for service animals, potentially increasing societal support and validation for individuals reliant on these animals.
- The monument could bring a sense of pride and recognition to handlers and people with disabilities who use service animals.
- The impact beyond those directly involved with service animals is expected to be minimal, but there could be a slight increase in public awareness and education.
- Overall, the policy is seen as positive, acknowledging the contributions of service animals and their handlers, but its tangible effects in terms of personal wellbeing are likely to be limited.
Simulated Interviews
Service Animal Trainer (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 58 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The recognition of service animals through a monument is commendable.
- It brings awareness to the sacrifices and contributions 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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Veteran (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This monument is a meaningful tribute to animals that serve.
- It's a positive recognition that might increase public respect 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 |
Disability Advocate (Dallas, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The monument serves as an important cultural and educational tool.
- While symbolic, it could help in further understanding the role of 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 |
Tour Guide (New York, NY)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The addition of such a monument could diversify the attractions in DC.
- It may lead to more interest and discussion among tourists.
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 |
University Professor (Seattle, WA)
Age: 50 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A monument is a strong educational tool and can inspire academic discourse.
- While not transformative personally, it supports a cause I align with.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired (Orlando, FL)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The monument will be a touching tribute to service animals and their aid to many.
- It might engender more public respect.
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 |
NGO Worker (Minneapolis, MN)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It is good to see this recognition, though it won't change my daily life.
- Hope it connects more people to the role service animals play.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Public Relations Specialist (Chicago, IL)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The monument is a great symbol for advocacy work.
- It drives the narrative of respect and aid, which is crucial.
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 |
Software Developer (Houston, TX)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Monuments don't solve problems but they enlighten.
- It's a good way to honor contributions often overlooked.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Graduate Student (Boulder, CO)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's inspiring to see the recognition of service animals' roles.
- As future vet, it aligns with my career goals and ideals.
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 |
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 National Service Animals Monument Corporation's role is crucial in securing funding without federal financial involvement.
- Tourism might benefit the local economy indirectly.
- The bill supports a noble social cause, highlighting and commemorating the role of service animals.