OLYMPIA – Parv Mehta from Eastlake High School served as a page for the Washington State Senate during the opening week of the 2024 legislative session. Sen. Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond) sponsored his time at the Legislature.
The page program offers a hands-on opportunity for students to find out how state government works. During week-long interactive learning experience, students learn from guest speakers and get to draft their own bills. Students also get to explore the Capitol Campus by delivering papers for Senate staff.
Mehta, 16, enjoys STEM fields, technology, and politics.
He joined the page program so he could learn new things, meet new people, and get involved in government.
“I learned many new things like how to write a bill, and how lobbyists work,” said Mehta.
Pages also create their own bill to be heard in a mock committee meeting. Mehta’s bill was focused on lowering the allowed blood alcohol concentration for drivers from .08% to .05%.
“Being active in the community or being an advocate for your rights is a special thing,” Mehta said. “That’s what stood out to me; a normal person can come to the Capitol and fight for their rights.”
For more information about the Senate Page Program, contact SenatePageProgram@leg.wa.gov.
