Bill Overview
Title: Gold Star Families Day Act
Description: This bill establishes Gold Star Families Day as a legal public holiday on the last Monday in September.
Sponsors: Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]
Target Audience
Population: Gold Star families
Estimated Size: 23000
- Gold Star families are families who have lost a loved one who was serving in the U.S. military during a time of conflict or war.
- The designation of a holiday primarily impacts those who directly commemorate or are directly related to the reason for the holiday's creation.
- Globally, military families from many countries might relate to Gold Star families, but this recognition is specifically for U.S. families.
Reasoning
- The primary target population is the 23,000 Gold Star families in the U.S. The annual budget of $600 million implies that there is a substantial amount available that could potentially be used for holiday-associated activities, outreach, and support programs targeted at these families.
- The impact on wellbeing, particularly emotional wellbeing, might be significant for those directly in the target population (Gold Star families) due to increased public recognition and awareness efforts.
- A secondary population might be American citizens sympathetic to military personnel and their families, although the direct impact on this group may be minimal in terms of policy outcomes.
- Since this involves the establishment of a holiday, much of the impact is emotional or symbolic rather than financial. Therefore, the cost per capita of creating awareness and recognition through this federal holiday can be relatively high compared to other types of economic-focused policies.
Simulated Interviews
Teacher (Virginia)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having a day to recognize families like mine would mean a lot. It's a reminder that my child's sacrifice is not forgotten.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired (California)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's meaningful, but I wish there were more support services tied to this recognition.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Tech Worker (Texas)
Age: 35 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's a great way to honor those who have given so much. I feel more connected to my community on such days.
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 |
Stay-at-home parent (New York)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Acknowledging Gold Star families with a holiday is a small but appreciated gesture. It's not about the day off but about being recognized.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Engineer (Florida)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's useful to have a day of remembrance. I might participate in local commemorative events.
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 |
Veteran (Ohio)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's comforting to see the country remember our sacrifices, even in a small way.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Small Business Owner (Illinois)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any recognition of military families is good, but it would be better if it came with practical support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Government Employee (Washington)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This holiday might bring more awareness. I'll definitely support the day by attending related events.
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 |
Artist (New Mexico)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's important. It reminds everyone about the personal costs of defending the country.
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 |
NGO Director (Texas)
Age: 50 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Such a holiday underscores the need for more attention to be given to these families—not just for a day, but ongoing.
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 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Year 2: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Year 3: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Year 5: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Year 10: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Year 100: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Key Considerations
- Gold Star Families Day does not directly benefit economically but offers societal recognition.
- Federal employee costs for paid time off are the biggest direct cost.
- Potential indirect benefits include societal recognition and increased awareness of military family sacrifices.