WHEREAS, British Columbia and Washington State share a border, and a mutual appreciation for the region of the world in which we live; and
     WHEREAS, British Columbia and Washington State work together to accomplish the objectives set forth by our governments to preserve our respective regions; and
     WHEREAS, British Columbia and Whatcom county work closely to secure our border to ensure the welfare of the residents of the province, the state, and countries alike; and
     WHEREAS, The primary purpose of the Washington State Constitution is to educate our youth and prepare them to lead us into the future; and
     WHEREAS, Washington State provides strong education to its students through a distinguished internship program with the state legislature; and
     WHEREAS, British Columbia also recognizes the importance and value of quality civic education; and
     WHEREAS, The British Columbia parliamentary internship provides university graduates with the opportunity to fortify their education and professionalism through observation and involvement with the Legislative Assembly; and
     WHEREAS, Before working with the Legislative Assembly, interns are assigned to sponsoring ministries and becoming exposed to the mandate and scope of the ministry; and
     WHEREAS, Legislative interns conduct research to aid in the creation of policy and facilitate planning; and
     WHEREAS, Interns acquire the tools necessary to enter into their respective professional careers which help them to use their education in making positive contributions to their communities; and
     WHEREAS, For the fourth year, the British Columbia and Washington State legislative interns have participated in an exchange program to explore their neighbor's governmental process; and
     WHEREAS, We welcome the British Columbia Legislative Assembly interns to the Washington State Legislature, and commend their various academic achievements and professional accomplishments;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor the hard work and dedication it takes to put each of these exceptional programs together by also honoring Karen Aitken, the British Columbia Legislative Intern Program Director, and extending gratitude to our own legislative intern coordinators, Judi Best and Joan Elgee, for putting together such excellent programs; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Karen Aitken, Judi Best, and Joan Elgee.