OLYMPIA – If you’re into state history, culture, and the arts and also happen to be an early riser, you may want to attend a Heritage Caucus meeting. The meetings take place each Wednesday morning from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. on the Washington state capitol campus and the public is always welcome.
This year, state Rep. Kevin Van De Wege (D-Sequim) is co-chairing the Heritage Caucus. Van De Wege stepped up when former Rep. Lynn Kessler, the previous co-chair, retired.
“Like Rep. Kessler, I have a strong interest in making sure that Washington’s unique historical and cultural treasures are preserved for future generations,” Van De Wege said. “There are some things that can’t be replaced once they are torn down or lost.”
The bipartisan Heritage Caucus has been around for over 20 years, with one Democratic and one Republican co-chair. It brings together legislators, elected officials, representatives from the public and nonprofit sectors, as well as citizens, to discuss pending legislation and policy issues related to state culture, heritage, and the arts. The goal is to keep people informed of how pending legislation could affect state cultural and historical organizations or sites.
Van De Wege’s district, which includes all of Clallam and Jefferson counties and parts of Grays Harbor County, includes many historical sites that have been saved from demolition. Among these are the Port Townsend Bell Tower, the Hyer Farm in Sequim, and numerous historic barns throughout the counties.
Preserving a historic building or site may seem like a low priority in a year when the state is grappling with budget cuts, but Van De Wege believes the importance of the Heritage Caucus lies in the information that is presented and shared at its meetings.
“When a historic site is endangered, citizens tend to find innovative ways to save it, even when state grants are not as readily available,” Van De Wege said. “There is a real awareness of the value of our state’s cultural heritage.”
Van De Wege also serves as House Majority Whip, and sits on the Agriculture and Natural Resources, Health Care and Wellness, General Government Appropriations, and Rules committees.
The 2011 Legislative Session begins today and is scheduled to run through April 24, 2011. The Heritage Caucus meets each Wednesday during the session at 7:00 a.m. in Conference Room A/B of the John A. Cherberg Building.