WHEREAS, Senator Lorraine Wojahn served faithfully and well the people of Tacoma and the 27th Legislative District in the Washington State Legislature for 32 years, serving in the House of Representatives from 1969 to 1976 and serving in the Senate from 1977 to 2001; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Wojahn was a strong and sometimes fierce voice for the poor, disabled, and most vulnerable; and
     WHEREAS, She embodied the ethic of public service and exemplified the philosophy of helping people help themselves; and
     WHEREAS, While serving as a Representative, Wojahn led the way in consumer protection efforts and social health concerns with legislation that required bacon packages to provide a clear window to display all sides of the product; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Wojahn was a role model for women and broke barriers in the Washington State Legislature as one of only six women Senators when she was elected to the Senate in 1976; and
     WHEREAS, She became the first woman ever to serve on the Senate Rules Committee, the first woman and non-attorney to be appointed to the Washington State Judicial Council, and the first woman President Pro Tempore of the Senate to preside Sine Die; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Wojahn was a constant advocate for women's rights. She aided the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, sponsored legislation allowing women to obtain credit on their own, created the displaced homemaker act, and fought to end domestic violence against women and children; and
     WHEREAS, Legislation sponsored by Senator Wojahn led to the creation of the Department of Health; and
     WHEREAS, Public health was of great importance to Senator Wojahn at a time when it was often overlooked by others. Senator Wojahn was determined and successful at raising public awareness to preventable health threats such as osteoporosis, fetal alcohol syndrome, the need for childhood immunizations, and mental health parity; and
     WHEREAS, During her long Senate career, she was known for having the "fastest gavel in the West" when presiding as Senate President Pro Tempore; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Wojahn loved her district and saw a great potential in the opportunities to revitalize and rebuild the economy in Tacoma and Pierce County to the benefit of all Washingtonians; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Wojahn was influential in saving Union Station in Tacoma with the assistance of then Congressman Norm Dicks; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Wojahn was instrumental in gaining state financial support for the creation of the University of Washington Tacoma campus and the Washington State History Museum, and she saved other historic buildings in downtown Tacoma from demolition; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Wojahn was a very proud lifetime member of the Pierce County YWCA and served on the board of directors for Allenmore Hospital, the Washington State Historical Society, and the Boy's and Girl's Clubs of Tacoma - Pierce County, among others;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate honor and memorialize the life and legislative career of Senator R. Lorraine Wojahn for her unfailing commitment, advocacy, and focus which made her one of the most respected and influential state legislators within the last 50 years; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Senator Wojahn's son, Mark Wojahn, to convey the respect of this body for a career committed to serving the 27th District and the people of the State of Washington.