A-S-W-S-U
Check the ASWSU Web site for current releases (new that day). Be sure to contact the individuals listed at the top of the release before writing the story.

Call Janet Ashcraft at 5-9676 to speak with a senator about the activities and events of the day.

You should also plan to stop by the A-S-W-S-U offices on the third floor of CUB. Ms. Ashcraft will find a senator to speak with you.

Washington State Legislature
TThe Washington State House Ninth Legislative District Representatives are Steve Hailey and Joe Schmick. Each has a link to press releases. Check these each day to see if they have anything new. The Washington State Ninth Legislative District Senator is Mark Schoesler. His "news and views" page contains press releases that might be pertinent. Feel free to e-mail your represenatives to ask specific questions about the bill. Identify yourself as a KUGR reporter and student in broadcast news.

For normal coverage of the legislature:

Check the Washington State Legislature Web site for the current calendar and meeting schedule.

Click on one of the 16 committee agendas (eg. Agriculture and Natural Resources, Children and Family Services and Corrections, etc) to see which bills the committee will discuss that day.

Once you find a bill that appears to be newsworthy or pertinent, then note the number (SB# or HB#). Make note of the action that the committee is taking on the bill -- generally, a public hearing.

Search for Senate bills or House bills by typing the bill number in the search box.

Click on the "digest on the bill" and record the information. Also, click on the bill's history to determine where the bill is in the process of becoming a law. Click on the links to the bill's sponsors to find press releases about the bill. Write a short reader story based on your reporting.

Governor Christine Gregoire
You may submit stories based on materials from the office of Governor Gregoire. Her office provides press releases on a regular basis. Be sure to edit out the self-serving, self-promotional language from the press releases.

Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell
Both U-S Senators from Washington, U-S Senator Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell provide current press releases that are appropriate for news stories. Be sure to edit out the self-serving, self-promotional language from the press releases. Get local reaction to the release, or contact the Senator's office for clarification and updates.

Representative Cathy McMorris
Fifth District Representative Cathy McMorris' Web site also includes occasional press releases that you can develop into stories.