HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2000-4796, by Representatives Fisher and Regala

       WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State Legislature to recognize excellence in all fields of endeavor; and

       WHEREAS, Lorraine Wojahn began a distinguished and unselfish career in public service with the Washington State House of Representatives in 1968, and is about to complete her sixth term in the Washington State Senate representing the 27th Legislative District; and

       WHEREAS, President Pro Tempore Wojahn is currently the most senior member of the Washington State Legislature, having served nearly 32 years; and

       WHEREAS, Lorraine often spoke loudest for those least able to speak for themselves, especially the poor, the troubled, and the disabled; and

       WHEREAS, Her vigorous advocacy on behalf of these individuals before her colleagues in the Legislature was a hallmark of her long career in public service; and

       WHEREAS, Lorraine was relentless in her support of issues affecting the lives of women and was instrumental in the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, as well as additional measures allowing women to obtain credit on their own and giving displaced homemakers and their children a chance to start a new life; and

       WHEREAS, Lorraine championed efforts to curb domestic violence as a member of the Pierce County Commission Against Domestic Violence and was honored by the commission in 1999 with special recognition for her dedication and courage; and

       WHEREAS,  Lorraine was the first woman and nonattorney appointed to the Washington State Judicial Council; and

       WHEREAS, Lorraine gained state financial support of the Pantages Center for the Performing Arts, the Washington State History Museum, and the University of Washington Campus in Tacoma, which benefit citizens in Pierce County and beyond, striving to make the community a better place to live and work; and

       WHEREAS, Lorraine worked to protect public health, as evidenced by her sponsorship of the bill that created the Department of Health and her unflagging determination to raise public awareness of preventable health threats;

       NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives extend its best wishes to Lorraine Wojahn on a job faithfully well done and wish her the best in her well-deserved retirement; and

       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives to Senator Lorraine Wojahn.

       I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

       Resolution 4796 adopted by the House of Representatives

                           April 27, 2000.

________________________________       _____________________________

Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerk    Cynthia Zehnder, Co-Chief Clerk