For the Reporter

Rachel Beal of Des Moines served as a page in the state Senate during the week of March 23.

“It was a pleasure to sponsor Rachel this week,” said Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent. “She is a bright student eager to learn more about state government.”

Pages help senators and staff, attend lectures with guest speakers and go to page school where they create their own bills in a mock committee setting. Beal drafted a bill that would create more gender neutral bathrooms in the state.

“I’ve seen transgender students struggle with using the bathroom and I thought something should be done,” Beal said.

Her siblings participated in the page program in the past, which motivated Beal to apply.

“I wanted to learn more about government,” she said. “I’ve learned the difference between a 105 and a 65-day session and how bills are made. This is experience has made me want to be more involved with politics.”

Other highlights from Beal’s week included debating her bill, meeting new people and finding her way around the Capitol.

“People are really nice and easy to talk to here,” Beal said. “I got to talk with my senator, who is really nice and has known me since I was little.”

Beal, 15, is a sophomore at Mount Rainer High School. She also participates in swim team and wants to start up a debate team at her school.

For more information about the program, contact SenatePageProgram@leg.wa.gov