Evan Smith: Chase’s first Senate bill gets passed with roast from colleagues

By Evan Smith

ShorelineAreaNews Politics Writer

Sen. Maralyn Chase passed her first bill in the State Senate last week, but only after some good-natured comments from her new colleagues.

Senators passed Chase’s bill to encourage instruction in the Civil Rights movement, by a vote of 47-0, but only after they commented on Chase’s penchant for introducing many bills and for riding a three-wheeler.

The bill came from students at Madrona K-12 School in the Edmonds part of the 32nd Legislative District. (See story).

One senator suggested that costs of the bill be covered by a tax on three-wheeled vehicles.

Another senator suggested that a bill shouldn’t take longer to be explained than to be read.

One senator, alluding to Chase’s passion for recycling, suggested that she write a bill to encourage recycling.

As is the custom, Sen. Chase then gave her colleagues a book about sunsets, a tiny electric car and some chocolates among other gifts — all of course wrapped in cellophane, not plastic.

Chase won election to the Senate in November after serving nine years in the State House of Representatives.

Chase’s district includes Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Woodway, south Edmonds and unincorporated areas of King and Snohomish counties.