Will Schwarzenegger Kill Milk Day... Again?
Riding a wave of excitement created from his Oscar win for portraying Harvey Milk, actor Sean Penn is trying to build support for a piece of California legislation that would recognize May 22, Milk’s birthday, as Harvey Milk Day. At a press conference at San Francisco's Tosca Café, Penn said "Harvey taught us the importance of standing up for what you believe in. He showed us the value of never giving up, and he proved that action creates change."
A similar bill passed by lawmakers last year sought to designate the date as a day of “special significance” which would encourage public schools and other educational institutions to hold uniquely themed programs. This differs from an official state holiday, when government offices are closed and state employees get the day off. The bill was vetoed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He stated in his veto message “I respect the author's intent to designate May 22nd as 'Harvey Milk Day' and a day of special significance for California public schools and educational institutions to honor Harvey Milk as an important community leader and public official in the city and county of San Francisco. However, I believe his contributions should continue to be recognized at the local level by those who were most impacted by his contributions.”
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