Redmond Student Serves as Page in Rep. Springer's Office

The following is an announcement from the office of the Washington State House of Representatives:

Madison Minsk of Redmond worked as a page at the Washington State Legislature for State Representative Larry Springer of the 45^th District from Jan. 9-13 in Olympia. Madison, 15, is a ninth-grader at . She enjoys math class, sewing and playing the trumpet.

Her favorite part of being a page for the Legislature was learning how many people are truly involved in the process of lawmaking. Madison also enjoyed the exclusivity of being able to go onto the House Chamber Floor, as well as the representatives’ offices, without being questioned. She said this was a perk because access to the floor is closely guarded. She has also gained a much better understanding of how a bill becomes law, and how difficult it is to actually get a bill passed in the legislature. When asked how this experience has changed her view of state government, she says, “It made me think about a future career in government as a legislator."

Madison would like to see the legislature pass the Dream Act, which would grant citizenship to the children of undocumented immigrants who were not born in America. She learned of this legislation during her school classes at the Capitol and believes in the Dream Act because it would enable the children of immigrants to enroll in college and the military. “These kids are trying to better themselves and our society, and we should help them do that,” she said.

Madison is exhausted from the long days of working at the legislature but is happy to have had the valuable life experience. Currently, she has a goal of attending business or law school. Way to go, Madison!