Apply now for legislative page opportunities in Sen. Keiser’s office

For the Reporter

Now is the ideal time for students ages 14 through 16 to apply to serve as legislative pages through the office of Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent, during the legislative session that begins in January.

During each week of the legislative session, students from across Washington state come to Olympia to serve as legislative pages. Legislators sponsor the pages, who assist with the Legislature’s work by making deliveries and performing other necessary tasks.

Pages spend a portion of each day attending Page School, which provides an opportunity to learn about the role of the Legislature, its process and its participants. The Legislature employs a certificated teacher with experience teaching civics and social studies, along with an assistant teacher. They bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to the Page School program.

For the Monday-through-Friday work week that they serve, pages are paid $35 a day. Pages do not work overtime or on weekends, regardless of the Senate’s work schedule.

Requirements to be a Senate Page are as follows:

• Parent/Guardian permission is needed;

• School’s permission/recommendation;

• Senate sponsor;

• Social Security card (student must bring with you the week you serve);

• Must be at least 14 years of age and not have reached your 17th birthday

The 2016 legislative session is scheduled to run from Jan. 11 through March 10. Completed/signed applications may be faxed to 360-786-7450, e-mailed as a PDF enclosure to Karen.keiser@leg.wa.gov, or mailed to: Office of Senator Karen Keiser, PO Box 40433, Olympia, WA 98504-0433.

For more information about Washington state’s nationally recognized, award-winning Senate Page Program, or to download an application, go to: leg.wa.gov/Senate/Administration/PageProgram/Pages/default.aspx.