WHEREAS, Senator Pat Thibaudeau served the public, representing the 43rd Legislative District in Seattle, for more than 15 years, 3 years in the House of Representatives and 12 years in the Senate; and
     WHEREAS, Affordable, accessible, and high quality health care is an issue close to Senator Thibaudeau's heart due, in part, to the education she received at Whitman College in Washington, where she earned her bachelor's degree, and at Smith College in Massachusetts, where she earned a master's degree in social work; and
     WHEREAS, As a lobbyist for children's organizations, Senator Thibaudeau developed a reputation as a tireless advocate for kids, even, at one point, seeking a separate agency to make children's issues more visible to the state of Washington; and
     WHEREAS, In keeping with that strong commitment, Senator Thibaudeau for years pushed for legislation that would cover all children with health insurance, which finally became a reality in 2005; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Thibaudeau served as both chair and vice-chair of the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee and on other committees, including the Ways & Means, Judiciary, Rules, and the Joint Legislative Audit and Review committees; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Thibaudeau devoted many years to ensuring that diseases of the mind be treated the same as diseases of the body, finding success in 2005, when her landmark bill for mental health parity was signed into law; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Thibaudeau heartily advocated for prescription drug reform legislation and was honored by the American Association of Retired Persons in 2003 for her tireless efforts; and
     WHEREAS, Aware of her health care expertise, Governor Christine Gregoire appointed Senator Thibaudeau cochair of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Health Care Costs and Access in 2006, whose recommendations will be key to accomplishing health care reform in Washington; and
     WHEREAS, Community service outside of her political responsibilities has long been important to Senator Thibaudeau, evidenced by her membership in such organizations as the Washington Conservation Voters; Childhaven; Washington CeaseFire; and the Washington State Arts Commission; and
     WHEREAS, A long-time champion of women's rights, Senator Thibaudeau has advocated for women's reproductive rights and maintained steady support of the work of NARAL Pro Choice Washington and Planned Parenthood, and was honored by both of those organizations in 2006; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Thibaudeau has received numerous awards for her work in health care, including the Washington State Rural Health Association Award; Youth Care Outstanding Community Advocate Award; the Lifelong AIDS Alliance Governor's Award; and a Certificate of Recognition from the Washington Alliance for the Mentally Ill; and
     WHEREAS, Before passing away, her husband Roger was a solid rock of support for the senator and all the time and effort it took to serve in the legislature; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Thibaudeau remains surrounded by her loving children, Sarah and Steven, as well as her dog Murphy, and cat Casey; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Thibaudeau was a close and valued colleague to many here in the Washington State Senate and her presence here will be greatly missed; and
     WHEREAS, Honor and recognition are due to the wonderful previous senator from the 43rd Legislative District;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor Senator Pat Thibaudeau for her outstanding public service in the Washington State Legislature, the legislation she championed, and her many contributions to Washingtonians and their families; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Washington State Senate, Senator Pat Thibaudeau and her family, the Blue Ribbon Commission on Health Care Costs and Access, and the Washington State Arts Commission.