WHEREAS, The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) was founded in 1975 and has evolved during the past half-century to become the premier organization solely dedicated to serving state and territorial legislators and legislative staff; and

WHEREAS, It was created from the merger of three organizations that served or represented state legislatures and that shared the belief that legislative service is one of democracy's worthiest pursuits; and

WHEREAS, NCSL is a bipartisan organization with three objectives: To advance the effectiveness, independence, and integrity of state legislatures; to foster interstate communication and cooperation; and to ensure states a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system; and

WHEREAS, Our nation's state legislatures are America's laboratories of democracy and have continually shown that they are the bodies to tackle emerging challenges, and state legislatures are where people from very different backgrounds, representing very different communities, can come together and find common ground, and NCSL has facilitated the exchange of ideas, provided critical research and information, and encouraged a rigorous review of complex issues confronting our communities, states, and nation, and NCSL strives to strengthen the bonds between America's state legislatures and the international community;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate of the state of Washington recognize and commend the National Conference of State Legislatures for their superb leadership and their commitment to the legislative institution; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Secretary of the Senate of the state of Washington is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the National Conference of State Legislatures.