Warnick, Manweller encourage students to apply to be pages

OLYMPIA – Thirteenth District legislators Matt Manweller of Ellensburg and Judy Warnick of Moses Lake remind high school students that the upcoming 2015 legislative session in Olympia will need pages.

The page program provides a unique opportunity for students who are 14-16 years old to participate in and witness the legislative process.

Warnick and Manweller encourage students from Mattawa and Royal City and every town in the district to apply for this civics program.

“The page program has a long tradition at the Legislature,” Warnick said. “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 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,” Manweller said. “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's or Manweller's offices at:

Rep. Matt Manweller

P.O. Box 40600

Olympia, WA 98504-0600

Rep. Judy Warnick

P.O. Box 40413

Olympia, WA 98504-0413

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