Overview:
During the 2025 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on important policies regarding sustainable agriculture, and balancing housing and forest conservation.
- Forest Conservation & Housing (2025) What is the committee leadership perspective on balancing the need to expand housing while conserving forests?Senate Page, Abhay Sankar, asks Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee Chair Mike Chapman (D), and Ranking Member, Ron Muzzall (R), about the this challenge.
- Sustainable Agriculture Policies (2025) Senate Page, Aanya Panwar, asks Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee Chair Mike Chapman (D), and Ranking Member, Ron Muzzall (R), about the economic and environmental impacts of sustainable agriculture regulations.
Essential Questions:
- How do the beliefs of those in the majority party differ from those in the minority party?
- What are some of the positives and negatives of organic farming in Washington State?
- What is Washington State doing to ensure that our Natural Resources are protected while also being available to utilize by Washingtonians?
Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee considers issues relating to:
- Agricultural land and products
- Regulation of water and water rights
- Fish and wildlife
- Mining
- Forest practices and forest fire protection
- Management of certain state-owned lands including forest, farm, and aquatic lands
Teacher Guide