BySenators Nobles, Saldaña, Trudeau, Kauffman, C. Wilson, Conway, Lovelett, Cleveland, Hasegawa, Chapman, Frame, Ramos, Pedersen, Riccelli, Shewmake, Salomon, Lovick, Slatter, Wellman, Bateman, Cortes, Holy, Harris, Krishnadasan, Orwall, Short, and Robinson

WHEREAS, It has been the tradition of the Washington State Senate to honor significant and important contributions to the public good made by employees of the State; and

WHEREAS, Keri Rawlings Rooney has faithfully served the People of the State of Washington for over 50 years in a variety of offices at both the state and local level; and

WHEREAS, Keri Rawlings Rooney has provided sage advice and sound counsel to members of the legislature, governors, and other state elected officials, members of congress, and local government officials; and

WHEREAS, Keri played a major role in public policy development during her tenure at the Washington State Senate, Office of the Pierce County Auditor, Office of the Pierce County Executive, and Office of the State Auditor; and

WHEREAS, Keri created and promoted a program to instill the value of voting into children in the K-12 school system called "Voting is Cool," which provided materials promoting democracy and the value of casting a ballot to over 1,000 children; and

WHEREAS, Keri was an indispensable part of the success of both the 2010 United States Amateur and 2015 United States Open Golf Tournaments to Chambers Bay Golf Course to the benefit of her community and the economy of the State; and

WHEREAS, Keri is widely respected across the state for her political acumen, legislative expertise, and knowledge of government operations and is a key influencer in Pierce County; and

WHEREAS, During her distinguished career Keri Rawlings Rooney mentored countless people who launched careers in public service and carry on her legacy of making a difference for the community; and

WHEREAS, Keri is known to one and all as a trusted friend, respected colleague, and source of sound professional judgment;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate express its sincerest appreciation to Keri Rawlings Rooney for 50 years of service to the People of the State for her dedication to the public good and friendship and support to her many friends and colleagues; and do hereby extend best wishes to her as she enters retirement; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted to Keri Rawlings Rooney.