Blogs

I cannot even begin to tell all of you how amazing a Warnke Legislative Internship is!! Until I became involved in PSE I truly was not very “into” what happened in the state Legislature in Olympia. When I got involved in the union and bargaining, I realized that it doesn’t matter how good our bargaining skills are if the state doesn’t give the district enough money. Too often there is very little for us to bargain for. Now I know it goes much deeper than that, into all aspects of our lives.

To get to spend a week and truly be able to understand how it works, how bills go to committee, public testimony, then off to the fiscal committees of the respective sides, gave me much more insight to how difficult it actually is to be a “Bill sitting on Capitol Hill.”

Rick Chisa taught me about TVW so I can track what I have learned (and become quite addicted to) even when I am home. I will carry this with me for years. I had the opportunity to sit in committees other than education-based selections and though of course our eyes need to be on the issues that affect our jobs I think we should also take a bit of time to branch out and keep an eye on what affects our communities also.

It was a real privilege to be on the Hill the week that the Millionaires Tax was introduced. No matter what side you fall on for this issue, it is a historic move and I can say I was there. 

The Capitol itself is lovely! So much history just being in the gallery for the House and Senate is awe-inspiring. By the end of the week I could actually find my way on my own to all the places I needed to be. 

One of the highlights for me was seeing the Office of Public Instruction, not so much because it’s the education headquarters for our state, but because it is also the original state Capitol building! Such amazing architecture! Also on the street in front of it the only ones who can ticket you is the State Patrol, since the street is designated as a state highway! Rick is such a great teacher and tour guide!

I will always be so grateful that I had the opportunity to experience this internship through PSE. I learned more in a week than many ever know about the internal workings of our government.

We as PSE members are so very fortunate to have this opportunity to teach us so we can go share with our chapters and our students. Also I want us all to realize what a treasure we have in Government Relations Director Rick Chisa and his vast knowledge and experience and his willingness to share it! Not to mention he is a pretty great photographer too!