HS students urge to apply for legislative page program

The upcoming 2015 legislative session in Olympia provides a unique opportunity for students who are 14 to 16 years old to participate in and witness the legislative process. Thirteenth District lawmakers Judy Warnick and Matt Manweller encourage students from Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Moses Lake, Ephrata, Quincy, Davenport and every town in between to apply for the civics program.

“The page program has a long tradition at the Legislature,” said Warnick, R-Moses Lake. “Many pages have gone on to become legislators themselves. It’s a wonderful opportunity for teens to watch history unfold firsthand and understand the importance of getting involved in government.”

Since 1891, students from across the state have participated in the legislative page program each year during the session. Students spend a week attending page school, learning the inner workings of state government and assisting legislators on the House floor. At the end of the week, students propose a mock bill to be considered by the other students.

Pages earn $35 per day while serving in the program, which can help offset the cost of traveling to Olympia and staying with a host family offered through the Legislature.

“The page program allows students to experience the Legislature and law-making process up close and out of the classroom,” said Manweller, R-Ellensburg. “I hope students will take advantage of the program. I welcome students and parents to contact our offices if they have questions.”

Interested students should print an application from the House Page Program or Senate Page Program web pages, then mail it to Warnick or Manweller’s offices at:

Rep. Matt Manweller

P.O. Box 40600

Olympia, WA 98504-0600

Rep. Judy Warnick (to be Sen.

Judy Warnick in January)

P.O. Box 40413

Olympia, WA 98504-0413

Applicants must have a legislative sponsor, be between the ages of 14 and 16, and obtain written permission from their parents and school.

For more information about Rep. Manweller, visit http://www.representativemattmanweller.com. For more information about Rep. Warnick, visit http://www.representativejudywarnick.com.