Rep. Haler sponsors Richland student as page in House of Representatives
Caleb Olson, a homeschooled student from the Richland School District, traveled to Olympia February 7 to serve as a page in the state House of Representatives. He was sponsored by his 8th District Rep. Larry Haler, R-Richland.
The son of William and Jennifer Olson, Caleb spends most of his time designing and flying aerial and non-aerial manned vehicles when he is not running cross-country for Hanford High School.
During his week as a page, Caleb attended page school every day to understand the operations and actions of the Legislature. As part of his page duties, Caleb learned to navigate the many buildings on the Capitol campus and delivered messages and documents to legislators and staff. Towards the end of the week Caleb applied what he had learned in a mock committee hearing with his fellow pages. He co-wrote a bill increasing the fine on businesses illegally selling electronic cigarettes to minors and presented it to the page committee, which passed it unanimously.
“It was an honor to sponsor Caleb. Having students involved in their state government is extremely important,” said Haler. “I hope he learned much about governance and enjoyed the experience. I appreciate his service.”
Each year, students from around the state apply to participate in the legislative page program. Students spend a week attending page school, learning the inner workings of state government and assisting legislators on the House floor. Pages earn $35 per day while serving in the program.
To become a page, applicants must have a legislative sponsor, be between the ages of 14 and 16, and obtain written permission from their parents and school. For more information about the House page program, visit: http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx.
