Students take policy into their own hands, get heard in Olympia

OLYMPIA – Who said students don’t have a voice in public policy? Whoever it was, a group of Snohomish County students didn’t get the message, and with some help from Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, they came to Olympia today and their voice was heard loud and clear.

The students say significant sources of revenue that support their after-school programs will be lost in the wake of legislation requiring only healthy food and beverages be available on school campuses by 2010. The students say that large amounts of financial support for their programs come from vending machines, and much of that will be lost.

Alexander Ramsey, a Mountlake Terrace High School senior was a part of the group that helped develop the legislation, and was in Olympia to testify. Ramsey, who participates in choir, football, track and theater, says that extracurricular activities are worth their while. “It’s important, because the activities are a great way to build character in our society, I think this will help the state understand that more,” he said.

Senate Bill 6537 creates a program that acts as a replacement funding source for extracurricular activities by adding a one percent admission surcharge to most live entertainment or sporting events, with the funding going to support everything from school music and sports, to debate and school newspapers.

“For some of our kids, after school activities and school groups like music and sports keep them engaged in their studies, it’s their tie to their education, and even beyond that, we know that extracurricular activities enhance student learning,” said McAuliffe.

“I heard from these students at our 2008 Youth Forum in Bothell, and I’m taking their idea forward to the legislature. One percent of a $100 dollar Seahawks or symphony ticket is virtually nothing, but collectively, this measure can make a huge difference for our students,” she said.

McAuliffe’s legislation also requires a vote of the people after it passes the legislature.

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