WHEREAS, Democracy flourishes only when government is accountable to the people that it serves; and
     WHEREAS, Civic participation in public affairs is the foundation of democracy; and
     WHEREAS, Transparent democracy is fundamental to preserving freedom; and
     WHEREAS, Washingtonians have the right to see their government at work; and
     WHEREAS, Television plays an important role for education, sociocultural integration, and political awareness; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington State House of Representatives encourages its citizens to take part in the state's legislative process; and
     WHEREAS, Since April 10, 1995, TVW programming has provided the citizens of Washington state a window to democracy; and
     WHEREAS, TVW broadcasts more than 70 hours a week of original programming during the legislative session and 40 hours a week otherwise, including coverage of state agencies, boards, commissions, councils, courts, and major events around the state; and
     WHEREAS, More than 1.3 million Washington homes can access the broadcast of live legislative floor sessions directly in their living rooms and workplaces; and
     WHEREAS, TVW also broadcasts its programming on the Internet; and
     WHEREAS, TVW's mission is to show unfiltered, unedited, unbiased state government at work; and
     WHEREAS, TVW is leading the trend of statewide public affairs networks, with states including Alaska, California, Connecticut, Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin following TVW's steps; and
     WHEREAS, TVW is a state treasure that brings Washington's citizens into the political process, that is a powerful tool for education of Washington's youth, and that is an independent source of news and opinion; and
     WHEREAS, TVW has made a tremendous contribution to the cause of democracy by making immediately available to the public a comprehensive, accurate, and unbiased exposition of the political process in this state;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives commend TVW on the occasion of its tenth anniversary for the invaluable contribution it has made and continues to make toward informing and educating the people of Washington and thereby enhancing the quality of its government; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Board of Directors of TVW.