Senator Rosa Franklin
29th District Tacoma

Official Senate Biography

Democrat: Term expires January, 2011.

Leadership: President Pro Tem, 2005, 2001; Assistant Democratic Floor Leader, 2003; Majority Whip, 1998; Democratic Whip, 1997.

Elective Office: Washington State Senate, January 1993-present; House of Representatives, 1991-1993.

Other Legislative Committees: Member, Joint Select Committee on Public Health Financing; Member, Joint Select Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs.

Education: Good Samaritan Waverley Hospital School of Nursing, Columbia, S.C., 1948; University of Puget Sound, B.A., Biology/English, 1968; Pacific Lutheran University, M.A., Social Sciences/Human Relations, 1974; Gynecorp Training Program, University of Washington, 1974; numerous CE workshops; University of Puget Sound, Honorary Doctorate in Public Service, 2006

Occupation: Registered nurse, retired; 42 years varied experience in health care.

Recent Awards and Recognitions: 2007 Seattle Storm Woman of Inspiration; inducted into the WSNA Hall of Fame, 2002; Stafford Study Club; Outstanding Volunteer, Pierce County Government; Honorary Citizen, Citizen of Tacoma; Washington Assn. of Community College Women's Programs; Pierce County Nurses Association; Democratic Woman of the Year, Washington State Federation of Democratic Women; Thurgood Marshall Award, African Americans Port of Tacoma; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for Western Regions, Regional Directors Distinguished Public Service Award; Breaking the Glass Ceiling Award, 2001, Washington Women's Political Caucus; Lifetime Achievement, Washington State Democratic Party, 2000; Girl Scouts of America, Pacific Peak, 1999 Woman of Distinction; Outstanding Non-Veteran, 1995; Ever Active Tribute to Excellence Award, 1995. Honorary Firefighters Awards-Local 31, Tacoma-2005; Benedict Good Samaritan Waverley Nurses, Mary L. Little Award; Outstanding Contribution to the Profession of Nursing and as an Advocate for Social Justice, August 2005; Pierce County DUI and Traffic Safety Award 2003; American Cancer Society recognition Award for demonstrated Commitment to fight Cancer.

Civic Organizations and Activities: League of Women Voters, Tacoma/Pierce County; Tacoma Urban League; NAACP; Safe Streets; South End Neighborhood for Family Safety; Hunger Walk '93; Advisory Committee, Cancer Screening Program for Targeted populations; AHEC Board, Western Region; Board Member, Cascade Regional Blood Services; Bates Technical College, Advisory Board; Pierce County AIDs Walk.

Personal: Married 57 years; husband James, 3 children, 5 grandchildren.

Return to Senator Franklin's home page.