WHEREAS, The British Columbia and Washington State governments share a border, have common natural resources, and geographic similarities; and
     WHEREAS, British Columbia and Washington State often work together to achieve our mutual goals; and
     WHEREAS, British Columbia and Washington State both recognize the importance and value of civic education, and as part of that responsibility both sponsor nationally renowned legislative internship programs; and
     WHEREAS, Washington State undergraduate interns spend their winter quarter or spring semester working in Olympia with staff and members of the Washington State House of Representatives or Senate; and
     WHEREAS, In addition to their office work, Washington interns participate in weekly academic seminars and workshops learning about representative democracy in a bicameral legislature; and
     WHEREAS, The British Columbia Legislative Internship Program offers an opportunity to university graduates to supplement their academic training by participating in the daily workings of the Legislature; and
     WHEREAS, Both British Columbia and Washington interns acquire skills and knowledge they can apply in their chosen careers and future life experiences that will further contribute to a greater public understanding and appreciation of government; and
     WHEREAS, For the third year the British Columbia and Washington State legislative interns have participated in an exchange program to explore and learn about each other's history and governmental processes; and
     WHEREAS, We welcome the British Columbia legislative interns to the Washington State Legislature and commend them for their numerous academic contributions;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor the hard work and dedication of both Karen Aitken, the British Columbia Legislative Intern Program Director, and the British Columbia interns; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Karen Aitken and the 2005 British Columbia interns.