OLYMPIA\n\u2014 Ryan Ericson, 14, served as a page in the Washington State Senate during the\nweek of April 1. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pages\nare sponsored by the senator from their legislative district. Sen. Hunt\n(D-Olympia) sponsored Ericson\u2019s week at the Legislature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\nwas so great to host Ryan at the Capitol this week,\u201d Hunt said. \u201cI hope that he\nenjoyed his time with the Legislature.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The\npage program offers a hands-on opportunity for students to find out how state\ngovernment works. The educational experience is furthered by guest speakers. It\nalso includes classes with topics such as budget writing and how a bill becomes\na law \u2014 which culminates in pages creating their own bills in a mock committee\nsetting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ericson\nand his partners worked on a bill that would encourage the use of green energy\nby increasing a household\u2019s income tax based on the percentage of nonrenewable\nenergy used. Their bill would increase the amount of renewable energy used in\neach household by discouraging the use of nonrenewable energy. Ericson was\nexcited to see his bill being heard in mock committee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\nenjoyed working with the security officers and learning more about their jobs,\u201d\nEricson said. \u201cAlso, the page scavenger hunt was fun. It allowed me to walk\naround the buildings and learn more about the work that people do in them.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pages\nalso have the opportunity to work on the Senate floor. Their maroon coats and\ncredentials allow them access to all parts of the Capitol Campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n