Pflug invites local students to join her in Olympia as Senate pages

December 3, 2008

OLYMPIA…Sen. Cheryl Pflug, R-Maple Valley, is inviting area students ages 14 to 16 to apply to become Senate pages during the upcoming legislative session, which runs from mid-January through late April in Olympia. 

In a recent survey of 15- to 26-year-olds, 80 percent knew the “Simpsons” cartoon family lives in a town called Springfield. They also knew the name of the reigning American Idol winner. Yet they didn’t know much about their own state government, a problem that can be easily remedied by a stint as a Senate page, according to Pflug. 

“Senate pages get a week-long, hands-on opportunity that’s more than a great education – it can be a life-changing experience,” Pflug said. “Many of the people who now work in state government got their first taste of the Legislature as a page.”   

The student Senate pages must be sponsored by a senator, and they spend a week in Olympia as paid employees. Pages work a regular business day, delivering messages, handing out documents in the Senate chamber, and running other errands. They also attend Page School for two hours during the workday, where they learn important concepts about civics and government.  

“The highlight of the week is when they write and present their own bills and role-play as legislators in a mock committee hearing.” Pflug said. “Plus, they have a blast getting to know many other students from around the state.” 

Students who travel from distant parts of the state can get private housing through host families living in the Olympia area. Pflug urges interested students to apply as one of her Senate pages as soon as possible, since the first page class begins January 12.  

To find out more about the Page Program or to apply as Sen. Pflug’s page, go to www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/StudentsPage and choose the Senate Page Program from the right-hand menu options.

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Sen. Pflug represents the 5th Legislative District, which includes North Bend, Maple Valley, Issaquah, Sammamish, Fall City, Snoqualmie and parts of rural King County.

For more information contact Pat Albright
at (360) 786-7519 or albright.pat@leg.wa.gov^.