Inspirational day in Olympia

It was a chilly morning in Olympia, Wash., today when dozens of journalists, school teachers, interest parties and students attended an 8 a.m. hearing of the state House Judiciary Committee regarding HB 1307, the free student press bill. Staff had to open the overflow area of the hearing room to accommodate the crowd, which included teachers and students from several Washington state schools. I estimated about 40 high school students in addition to several dozen educators, college and university students, professional journalists and others. This hearing preceded one for the proposed reporter shield law.

The bill info is available here. An audio file of the hearing is available from the TV Washington Web site.

I was among the first four citizens to speak in favor of the bill, and I sat next to Ken Bunting, associate publisher of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, who was an articulate and reasoned voice on behalf of the student press. In Friday morning's P-I, Bunting laid out the case expertly.

My testimony is about 15 minutes into the audio, in case you just wanted to listen to me. Others were more compelling, but I had been designated because supporters knew I would be present and could have something reasonably helpful to contribute.

Three other Washington advisers testified. Students from at least five schools testified, sharing their experiences and passion for journalism. The hearing continued for almost 90 minutes, far longer than we expected. The chair was very accommodating and so enthusiastic about the students present. In fact, the hearing itself was an affirmation for student empowerment. One adult speaker even deferred his time because he said he found the student voices so compelling.

It is January, a time in Washington state usually known for thick clouds and gray days. But as we left the state capital today, the sun was shining. It was an inspirational day, one where the best of scholastic journalism shone bright, too.

I'll keep posting on the progress of this important legislation.

One highlight for me personally was the fact that my suit fits me again. I was a bit nervous when I tried it on a few days ago and it was, well, snug around the waist. Thankfully I think that was just the effects of a huge dinner, and I had no problems at all for Friday's suit-wearing. I looked darn good if I say so myself.

-- Wenatchee, Wash.