Sedro-Woolley teen pages in the state House of Representatives
Jake LaSalle, a student at Cascade Middle School in Sedro-Woolley, served as a legislative page in the Washington House of Representatives during the third week of session. He was sponsored by his 39th District Rep. Dan Kristiansen, R-Snohomish.
The 14-year-old is the son of Jed and Jill LaSalle.
“It was great to see Jake take such an interest in state government,” said Kristiansen. “This week was incredibly busy for the Legislature and the pages were a major help. It is always inspiring to see so many young people interested in government and politics and the page program is a perfect way for students to get involved.”
During his week-long stay, Jake had the unique opportunity to observe, firsthand, the Legislature in action. As a page, he was responsible for delivering messages and documents to legislators in their offices, committee meetings and the House chamber during floor sessions. He also attended page school, where he learned how a bill becomes law and other legislative processes.
At the end of each week, pages participate in mock committee hearings. During this, Jake sponsored a bill relating to gun violence and Second Amendment rights.
Jake is an avid swimmer and aspires to one day be a member of the Harvard University swim team. As his education continues, he wants to study political science and hopes to have a career in politics.
“I think politics would be a good fit for me because I love debating and getting my point across to people,” he said.
Each year, students from across the state participate in the legislative page program. Pages are paid $35 per day they serve.
To become a page, applicants must have a legislative sponsor and be between the ages of 14 and 16. Additionally, pages are required to obtain written permission from their parents and school.
Unfortunately, the available positions for this session's page program are full. Interested students should apply in the fall to be considered for the 2015 legislative session.
For more information, visit: http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx
For more information about the House page program, visit: http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx
For more information about the House Republicans visit www.houserepublicans.gov
