On The Issues – Legislative Committee Curriculum

The Legislature passes three different budgets each year: the Operating Budget, which concerns the functioning of all government agencies and programs, the Capital Budget, which concerns the construction of new items in Washington State, and the Transportation Budget, which concerns road maintenance and construction, the Washington State Patrol, park and rides, busses, ferries, etc.

Transportation is incredibly important and interesting as its work crosses over into many different arenas in the state legislature, from Law Enforcement to Climate Change.

Washington State Senators Liias and King, take questions from Senate and House Legislative Pages Langley Foster, and Immanuel Robertson- Stewart asking about improving the transportation system and sustainability at the same time, and how do citizens who don't feel safe on public transportation contact their state legislators?

00:00 Sustainability
03:14 Safety

LESSON PLANS:
20 min Lesson Plan on Transportation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jGsSXNmRWmFHcj4aH7I_NRZwHtAv94dk/view?usp=sharing
OR –
Give students a more comprehensive understanding of legislative committees with the 1 to 2 day
On The Issues: Legislative Committees Lesson Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VCoZsUNe1TQQUZOIa3-uEbac47ALKmIcf-06iNCLWqs/edit?usp=sharing

Discussion Questions

1. Why does Senator King think there has been a decrease in ridership?
2. According to the Senators, what should transit be doing to improve safety?
3. Why do the Senators suggest that constituents should start with the local authorities?
4. Why do you think there are multiple levels of government? Using safety on public transportation as an example, what are the benefits and drawbacks?
5. What does Senator Liias think is the most important thing to focus on in the transportation realm?
6. Have you heard about Move Ahead Washington? If so, what have you learned? If not, why do you think that is the case?
7. What does Senator King think are the most important elements of the transportation system?
8. How are the needs of the Westside of the State similar to the needs of the Eastside of the State? How are they different?
9. How are Senator Liias’ and Senator King’s opinions different from one another?
10. What aspects of the budget would you like to examine to develop your own opinion on this topic?

On The Issues Playlist:

• On The Issues https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8E2rv4SCiQlpeW9JwnJepn87zNpDT&feature=shared

Teach with TVW is a free online resource provided by TVW for Washington state social studies teachers to engage their students in state government and help to inspire active citizens.

Learn more at: https://www.teachwithtvw.org

#teachwithtvw, #CapitolClassroom, #CONNECTS #waleg #youthvoice #civics101 #participate #nextgenerationleaders #civilengagement #civicengagement #legislativeprocess #socialstudies #APGov #debate

The Legislature passes three different budgets each year: the Operating Budget, which concerns the functioning of all government agencies and programs, the Capital Budget, which concerns the construction of new items in Washington State, and the Transportation Budget, which concerns road maintenance and construction, the Washington State Patrol, park and rides, busses, ferries, etc.

Transportation is incredibly important and interesting as its work crosses over into many different arenas in the state legislature, from Law Enforcement to Climate Change.

Washington State Senators Liias and King, take a question from House Legislative Page Leah Noble asking how the State plans to comply with the mandate from the US Supreme Court regarding treaty rights and fish passages?

LESSON PLANS:
20 min Lesson Plan on Transportation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jGsSXNmRWmFHcj4aH7I_NRZwHtAv94dk/view?usp=sharing
OR –
Give students a more comprehensive understanding of legislative committees with the 1 to 2 day
On The Issues: Legislative Committees Lesson Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VCoZsUNe1TQQUZOIa3-uEbac47ALKmIcf-06iNCLWqs/edit?usp=sharing

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is reaching compliance financially challenging?
2. How do the Senators suggest that the State should work with the Tribal Nations?
3. What solutions do the Senators suggest? How are they similar? How are they different?
4. Why would it be important to also include cities and other municipalities in this discussion about fish passages?
5. What other stakeholders would you need to talk to in order to form your own opinion on this topic?

On The Issues Playlist:

• On The Issues https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8E2rv4SCiQlpeW9JwnJepn87zNpDT&feature=shared

Teach with TVW is a free online resource provided by TVW for Washington state social studies teachers to engage their students in state government and help to inspire active citizens.

Learn more at: https://www.teachwithtvw.org

#TEACHwithTVW, #CapitolClassroom, #CONNECTS #waleg #youthvoice #civics101 #participate #nextgenerationleaders #civilengagement #civicengagement #legislativeprocess #socialstudies #APGov #debate

One of the main reasons why we have laws in our society is to protect public safety, to maintain order and security. This is not a partisan issue; both political parties want people to feel safe in our state. In the State Legislature, laws are passed that regulate how law enforcement interacts with the public. Like regular Washingtonians, those who are employed as officers of the law must follow the laws as well as enforce them. Over the past 5 years, the State Legislature has passed many pieces of legislation regarding law enforcement, but it continues to be a hot button issue.

Washington State Senators Padden and Lovick take questions from Senate Legislative Page Christopher Yu about police pursuit and public safety.

LESSON PLANS:
20 min Lesson Plan on Law Enforcement: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1twwa9Wfnc3QRubM2dpbVmM3cyBWh56sz/view?usp=sharing
OR –
Give students a more comprehensive understanding of legislative committees with the 1 to 2 day
On The Issues: Legislative Committees Lesson Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VCoZsUNe1TQQUZOIa3-uEbac47ALKmIcf-06iNCLWqs/edit?usp=sharing

Discussion Questions:
1. Senator Lovick speaks to his role as both a police officer and as a legislator. How does he suggest holding both parties accountable?
2. What does Senator Lovick think about police pursuit? Do you agree or disagree with him?
3. How do Senator Lovick and Senator Padden differ in their opinions? What evidence does Senator Padden use to support his ideas?
4. Senator Padden speaks of the Initiative to the Legislature that they must consider this session. Given what you heard from the Senators, do you think that the police should have broader authority in vehicular pursuits?

On The Issues Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8E2rv4SCiQlpeW9JwnJepn87zNpDT

Teach with TVW is a free online resource provided by TVW for Washington state social studies teachers to engage their students in state government and help to inspire active citizens.

Learn more at: https://www.teachwithtvw.org

#teachwithtvw, #CapitolClassroom, #CONNECTS #waleg #youthvoice #civics101 #participate #nextgenerationleaders #civilengagement #civicengagement #legislativeprocess #socialstudies #APGov #debate

One of the main reasons why we have laws in our society is to protect public safety, to maintain order and security. This is not a partisan issue; both political parties want people to feel safe in our state. In the State Legislature, laws are passed that regulate how law enforcement interacts with the public. Like regular Washingtonians, those who are employed as officers of the law must follow the laws as well as enforce them. Over the past 5 years, the State Legislature has passed many pieces of legislation regarding law enforcement, but it continues to be a hot button issue.

Washington State Senators Padden and Lovick, take questions from Senate Legislative Page Aanchal Batwara asks about police force staffing shortages and the impacts of stress on policing.

LESSON PLANS:
20 min Lesson Plan on Law Enforcement: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1twwa9Wfnc3QRubM2dpbVmM3cyBWh56sz/view?usp=sharing
OR –
Give students a more comprehensive understanding of legislative committees with the 1 to 2 day
On The Issues: Legislative Committees Lesson Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VCoZsUNe1TQQUZOIa3-uEbac47ALKmIcf-06iNCLWqs/edit?usp=sharing

Discussion Questions:
1. Senator Padden talks about PTSD in Washington State’s police officers. What problems does he highlight?
2. What bipartisan efforts do both Senator Padden and Senator Lovick reference?
What do you think about this bipartisan effort? Why are bipartisan efforts so important?
3. Senator Lovick talks about the need for more police officers in the State of Washington. What does he suggest the legislature should do to make the job more attractive to young people?
4. What does “Culture eats strategy for breakfast” mean to you? How does it link to what you already know about policing in Washington State?
5. What ideas resonate with you, and what follow up questions do you have for the Senators that could help you solidify your position?


On The Issues Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8E2rv4SCiQlpeW9JwnJepn87zNpDT

Teach with TVW is a free online resource provided by TVW for Washington state social studies teachers to engage their students in state government and help to inspire active citizens.

Learn more at: https://www.teachwithtvw.org

#TEACHwithTVW, #CapitolClassroom, #CONNECTS #waleg #youthvoice #civics101 #participate #nextgenerationleaders #civilengagement #civicengagement #legislativeprocess #socialstudies #APGov #debate

Access to higher education and an equitable education across the state is an issue that is on the minds of many high school students and legislators. As students prepare to leave high school and enter the workforce, going to college might be on some people's minds, or they are are thinking about entering the workforce immediately. Either way, they are probably considering locations and the programs offered. They may be thinking about whether they are academically ready for college. These sorts of questions are also on the minds of legislators writing legislation in the Higher Education and Workforce Committee. Funding for higher education in the Operating Budget is about 15%.

Washington state Representatives Alex Ybarra and Vandana Slatter take questions from House Legislative Page, Nikita Sharma asking what is being done in this short session to remove barriers to completing post secondary college.

LESSON PLANS:
20 min Lesson Plan on Higher Education: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vN6eChCbYbDAT1i8sZKRR8H4CVasb7JZ/view?usp=sharing
OR –
Give students a more comprehensive understanding of legislative committees with the 1 to 2 day
On The Issues: Legislative Committees Lesson Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VCoZsUNe1TQQUZOIa3-uEbac47ALKmIcf-06iNCLWqs/edit?usp=sharing

Discussion Questions:
1. Representative Ybarra speaks about the FAFSA. How does Representative Ybarra suggest that the legislature can help students and parents with financial aid?
2. Representative Slatter speaks to the need for all students to access some sort of post secondary education. How does she suggest that the legislature can help students and parents with financial aid?
3. How are the ideas of Representative Ybarra and Representative Slatter similar? How are they different?
4. What ideas resonate with you, and what follow up questions do you have for the Representatives that could help you solidify your position?

On The Issues Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8E2rv4SCiQlpeW9JwnJepn87zNpDT&feature=shared

Teach with TVW is a free online resource provided by TVW for Washington state social studies teachers to engage their students in state government and help to inspire active citizens.

Learn more at: https://www.teachwithtvw.org

#TEACHwithTVW, #CapitolClassroom, #CONNECTS #waleg #youthvoice #civics101 #participate #nextgenerationleaders #civilengagement #civicengagement #legislativeprocess #socialstudies #APGov #debate

Access to higher education and an equitable education across the state is an issue that is on the minds of many high school students and legislators. As students prepare to leave high school and enter the workforce, going to college might be on some people's minds, or they are are thinking about entering the workforce immediately. Either way, they are probably considering locations and the programs offered. They may be thinking about whether they are academically ready for college. These sorts of questions are also on the minds of legislators writing legislation in the Higher Education and Workforce Committee. Funding for higher education in the Operating Budget is about 15%.

Washington state Representatives Alex Ybarra and Vandana Slatter take questions from House Legislative Page, Maia Taylor asking what initiatives the legislature is doing to address declining enrollment in post secondary college.

LESSON PLANS:
20 min Lesson Plan on Higher Education: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vN6eChCbYbDAT1i8sZKRR8H4CVasb7JZ/view?usp=sharing
OR –
Give students a more comprehensive understanding of legislative committees with the 1 to 2 day
On The Issues: Legislative Committees Lesson Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VCoZsUNe1TQQUZOIa3-uEbac47ALKmIcf-06iNCLWqs/edit?usp=sharing

Discussion Questions:
1. Representative Slatter speaks about how COVID has affected declining enrollment. How does she think demographics play into this decline?
2. How does Representative Slatter think the legislature should get involved in helping those who do not think they can go to college?
3. Representative Ybarra speaks about the desire that students have to go to a four year school. What does he think the legislature should do to make changes to ensure that more people attend colleges?
4. How are the representatives’ ideas similar to one another?
5. What resonates with you, and what follow up questions do you have for the Representatives that could help you solidify your position?

On The Issues Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8E2rv4SCiQlpeW9JwnJepn87zNpDT&feature=shared

Teach with TVW is a free online resource provided by TVW for Washington state social studies teachers to engage their students in state government and help to inspire active citizens.

Learn more at: https://www.teachwithtvw.org

#teachwithtvw, #CapitolClassroom, #CONNECTS #waleg #youthvoice #civics101 #participate #nextgenerationleaders #civilengagement #civicengagement #legislativeprocess #socialstudies #APGov #debate

Health care is one of the most important services that the government engages in with its citizens. However, there are many different viewpoints on how involved the government should be in the distribution of health care. One of the most pressing issues in 2024 revolves around behavioral health, including mental health care for our youth. There are numerous pieces of legislation surrounding this important issue making their way through the legislature this year.

Washington state Representatives Marcus Riccelli and Joe Schmick take questions from Senate Legislative Page, Nilima Pahari, and House Legislative Page, Yesenia Carbajal Mendez, asking what initiatives should be added to address youth mental health issues, and why is it taking so long to address the youth mental health crisis.

LESSON PLANS:
20 min Lesson Plan on Mental Health:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m3DLCD6Rqywbr-0n8qZI3USCf9nj8qTD/view?usp=sharing
OR –
Give students a more comprehensive understanding of legislative committees with the 1 to 2 day
On The Issues: Legislative Committees Lesson Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VCoZsUNe1TQQUZOIa3-uEbac47ALKmIcf-06iNCLWqs/edit?usp=sharing

Discussion Questions:

1. Representative Schmick and Representative Riccelli agree that there is a problem in regards to access to mental health care in schools. What similarities and differences do you see amongst their ideas? What ideas resonate with you?
2. How does Representative Riccelli suggest that we move toward providing more help for the youth?
3. How does Representative Schmick suggest that we move toward providing more help for the youth?
4. In what way do the Democrats and the Republicans agree on this issue?
5. What resonates with you, and what follow up questions do you have for the Representatives that could help you solidify your position?

On The Issues Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8E2rv4SCiQlpeW9JwnJepn87zNpDT&feature=shared

Teach with TVW is a free online resource provided by TVW for Washington state social studies teachers to engage their students in state government and help to inspire active citizens.

Learn more at: https://www.teachwithtvw.org

#TEACHwithTVW, #CapitolClassroom, #CONNECTS #waleg #youthvoice #civics101 #participate #nextgenerationleaders #civilengagement #civicengagement #legislativeprocess #socialstudies #APGov #debate

Health care is one of the most important services that the government engages in with its citizens. However, there are many different viewpoints on how involved the government should be in the distribution of health care. One of the most pressing issues in 2024 revolves around behavioral health, including mental health care for our youth. There are numerous pieces of legislation surrounding this important issue making their way through the legislature this year.

Washington state Representatives Marcus Riccelli and Joe Schmick take House Legislative Page, Maria O'Donnell's question asking, what should be done to address the negative effects of social media on youth while not hindering the benefits of social media.

LESSON PLANS:
20 min Lesson Plan on Mental Health:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m3DLCD6Rqywbr-0n8qZI3USCf9nj8qTD/view?usp=sharing
OR –
Give students a more comprehensive understanding of legislative committees with the 1 to 2 day
On The Issues: Legislative Committees Lesson Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VCoZsUNe1TQQUZOIa3-uEbac47ALKmIcf-06iNCLWqs/edit?usp=sharing

Discussion Questions:

1. What role does Representative Riccelli think the government should have in protecting the youth from social media?
2. What role does Representative Schmick think the government should have in protecting the youth from social media?
3. How do you think the government should be involved in regulating social media? What follow up questions could you ask the representatives to solidify your opinion?

On The Issues Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8E2rv4SCiQlpeW9JwnJepn87zNpDT&feature=shared

Teach with TVW is a free online resource provided by TVW for Washington state social studies teachers to engage their students in state government and help to inspire active citizens.

Learn more at: https://www.teachwithtvw.org

#TEACHwithTVW, #CapitolClassroom, #CONNECTS #waleg #youthvoice #civics101 #participate #nextgenerationleaders #civilengagement #civicengagement #legislativeprocess #socialstudies #APGov #debate

Some of the most pressing issues facing Washington State revolve around housing and homelessness, including the high cost of housing, the availability of affordable housing, the number of people experiencing homelessness, and the soaring costs of building more housing. In the 2024 Legislative Session alone, there are hundreds of bills introduced that are related to these issues, so they are on the minds of all legislators, Democrats and Republicans alike.

Legislative House Page Abigail Peterson asks Senators Kuderer and Fortunato what is being done to address the housing needs of low and middle income people.

LESSON PLANS:
20 min Lesson Plan on Housing and Homelessness:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hXf1SC7IRjpVu9266UYaWRRhwmiOrvtx/view?usp=sharing
OR –
Give students a more comprehensive understanding of legislative committees with the 1 to 2 day
On The Issues: Legislative Committees Lesson Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VCoZsUNe1TQQUZOIa3-uEbac47ALKmIcf-06iNCLWqs/edit?usp=sharing

Discussion Questions:

1. How does Senator Fortunato define affordable housing? What does he think the government should do to promote affordable housing?
2. How does Senator Kuderer define affordable housing? What does she think the government should do to promote affordable housing?
3. How are their ideas similar to one another? How are they different?
4. What statements resonate with you? Why?
5. What follow up questions could you ask of the Senators to help you determine your own opinion?

On The Issues Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8E2rv4SCiQlpeW9JwnJepn87zNpDT&feature=shared

#Teach with TVW is a free online resource provided by TVW for Washington state social studies teachers to engage their students in state government and help to inspire active citizens.

Learn more at: www.teachwithtvw.org

#TEACHwithTVW, #CapitolClassroom, #CONNECTS #waleg #youthvoice #civics101 #participate #nextgenerationleaders #civilengagement #civicengagement #legislativeprocess #socialstudies #APGov #debate

Some of the most pressing issues facing Washington State revolve around housing and homelessness, including the high cost of housing, the availability of affordable housing, the number of people experiencing homelessness, and the soaring costs of building more housing. In the 2024 Legislative Session alone, there are hundreds of bills introduced that are related to these issues, so they are on the minds of all legislators, Democrats and Republicans alike.

Legislative Senate Page, Boen Liu asks Senators Kuderer and Fortunato what is being done to address the challenge of home ownership.

LESSON PLANS:
20 min Lesson Plan on Housing and Homelessness:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hXf1SC7IRjpVu9266UYaWRRhwmiOrvtx/view?usp=sharing
OR –
Give students a more comprehensive understanding of legislative committees with the 1 to 2 day
On The Issues: Legislative Committees Lesson Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VCoZsUNe1TQQUZOIa3-uEbac47ALKmIcf-06iNCLWqs/edit?usp=sharing

Discussion Questions:

1. Senator Kuderer speaks about a piece of legislation that she sponsored in the 2024 legislative session. How does she think that it would have ensured equitable housing?
2. What policies does Senator Kuderer believe will address the diminishing supply of homes?
3. Senator Fortunato speaks of entry level homes. How does he think increasing the amount of available land will increase the problem of diminishing housing supply?
4. What do you think are the main differences between the Senators' beliefs in how to best address the housing crisis?
5. What follow up questions could you ask of Senator Kuderer and Senator Fortunato to help you determine your own opinion?

On The Issues Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8E2rv4SCiQlpeW9JwnJepn87zNpDT&feature=shared

#Teach with TVW is a free online resource provided by TVW for Washington state social studies teachers to engage their students in state government and help to inspire active citizens.

Learn more at: www.teachwithtvw.org

#TEACHwithTVW, #CapitolClassroom, #CONNECTS #waleg #youthvoice #civics101 #participate #nextgenerationleaders #civilengagement #civicengagement #legislativeprocess #socialstudies #APGov #debate

Passed in 2021, the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) requires the Washington State Government to implement changes that will reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted by 95% by 2050. Not without its detractors, the CCA will be at the forefront of most budgetary conversations around environmental legislation this year.

Sienna Shadd asks Representatives Dye and Doglio about the Climate Commitment Act.

LESSON PLANS:
20 min Lesson Plan on Housing and Homelessness:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ym9Loyg4p_0icVKmi3MiK4g9YiQQoI_e/view?usp=sharing
OR –
Give students a more comprehensive understanding of legislative committees with the 1 to 2 day
On The Issues: Legislative Committees Lesson Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VCoZsUNe1TQQUZOIa3-uEbac47ALKmIcf-06iNCLWqs/edit?usp=sharing

Discussion Questions:

1. Representative Dye talks about why there is little room to compromise on the CCA. What problems does she see with the Climate Commitment Act? Where does she think a solution to the climate crisis will come from?
2. Representative Doglio also talks about why there is little room to compromise on the CCA. What changes does she think could be made to the Climate Commitment Act? How does she think the CCA will help the climate crisis?
3. What do you think is the main difference between the representatives’ ideas on the CCA?
4. What follow up questions could you ask of Representative Doglio and Representative Dye to determine your own opinion?

On The Issues Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8E2rv4SCiQlpeW9JwnJepn87zNpDT&feature=shared

Teach with TVW is a free online resource provided by TVW for Washington state social studies teachers to engage their students in state government and help to inspire active citizens.

Learn more at: https://www.teachwithtvw.org

#TEACHwithTVW, #CapitolClassroom, #CONNECTS #waleg #youthvoice #civics101 #participate #nextgenerationleaders #civilengagement #civicengagement #legislativeprocess #socialstudies #APGov #debate

Legislative Page, Liam Craig asks Committee Chair Doglio and Ranking Member Dye about how the legislature is addressing recycling issues.

LESSON PLANS:
20 min Lesson Plan on Housing and Homelessness:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ym9Loyg4p_0icVKmi3MiK4g9YiQQoI_e/view?usp=sharing
OR –
Give students a more comprehensive understanding of legislative committees with the 1 to 2 day
On The Issues: Legislative Committees Lesson Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VCoZsUNe1TQQUZOIa3-uEbac47ALKmIcf-06iNCLWqs/edit?usp=sharing

Discussion Questions:

1. Representative Doglio advocated for the WRAP Act and the Bottle Bill. Both of these pieces of legislation did not pass through the Democratically controlled House in the 2024 Legislative Session. Without focusing on the specifics of this bill, what do you think Representative Doglio believes is the government’s role in recycling processes?
2. Representative Dye did not advocate for the same pieces of legislation as Representative Doglio. What did she see as a problem with the policies implemented in Oregon? What do you think Representative Dye believes is the government’s role in the recycling processes?
3. What are the similarities and differences between the Representatives on the topic of recycling?
4. What follow up questions could you ask of Representative Doglio and Representative Dye to determine your own opinion?

On The Issues Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8E2rv4SCiQlpeW9JwnJepn87zNpDT&feature=shared

Teach with TVW is a free online resource provided by TVW for Washington state social studies teachers to engage their students in state government and help to inspire active citizens.

Learn more at: https://www.teachwithtvw.org

#TEACHwithTVW, #CapitolClassroom, #CONNECTS #waleg #youthvoice #civics101 #participate #nextgenerationleaders #civilengagement #civicengagement #legislativeprocess #socialstudies #APGov #debate