BySenators C. Wilson, Kuderer, Lovick, Nobles, Dhingra, Frame, Hansen, Robinson, Billig, Lovelett, Trudeau, Conway, Rivers, Wellman, Pedersen, Warnick, Nguyen, Hasegawa, Liias, Shewmake, Short, L. Wilson, Keiser, Hunt, Cleveland, and Stanford

WHEREAS, This year former Senator Jeannie Darneille announced her retirement from state service; and

WHEREAS, Former Senator Darneille has dedicated decades of her life to serving the people of Washington State; and

WHEREAS, Former Senator Darneille spent the first years of her career serving as executive director for a number of nonprofit service organizations, including the Pierce County AIDS Foundation and the Emergency Food Network; and

WHEREAS, She was elected to the Washington State House of Representatives representing the 27th Legislative District in the year 2000, where she served five terms with distinction; and

WHEREAS, She was elected to the Senate in 2012 where she served as chair of the Human Services, Rehabilitation, and Reentry Committee; and

Whereas, Throughout her tenure as a Legislator, Jeannie Darneille was a tireless advocate for human services with a consistent focus on serving the most vulnerable and historically excluded members of our communities; and

WHEREAS, Jeannie Darneille has also served with distinction as the Assistant Secretary of the Women's Division at the Department of Corrections, where she contributed to the integration of gender responsive care in pursuit of safety and rehabilitation; and

WHEREAS, Jeannie Darneille has demonstrated unwavering commitment and leadership in her role as a public servant, tirelessly working towards the betterment of our community and state;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate express its deepest gratitude to former Senator Jeannie Darneille for her exemplary service to the people of the 27th Legislative District and the entire state; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That former Senator Darneille is wished a well-deserved and joyful retirement, filled with the recognition of the positive impact she has made throughout her illustrious career; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Jeannie Darneille as a token of the immense respect and appreciation this legislative body holds for her.