Jeanette Testu
Jeanette Testu (Democrat) represented [the 34th] district of King County in the House of Representatives for seven terms, between 1942 and 1962.
Born in Pierre, South Dakota, Testu was a Normal School graduate and raised her three children while working as a school teacher. Active in Democratic politics from an early age, Testu served a term as Washington State's National Democratic Committeewoman, later employed as a King County Deputy Sheriff, her special interest in solving the problems of juvenile delinquency contributed to her decision to run for the Legislature.
Representative Testu contributed her experience and expertise to committees such as Educational Institutions and Unemployment Relief and Public Welfare, and in 1949 was the chairwoman of the powerful Transportation Committee. In 1961, as a token of their respect for her. Representative Testu was elected by the members of the House to the largely honorary position of Speaker Pro Tempore.
In addition to her special concerns for education and youth. Representative Testu was especially involved-with legislation that prohibited sexual discrimination in wages. Addressing the House on that issue she said, "It has taken a World War to make men realize that women are as capable, as useful, and as necessary to the state as men are."
--- Political Pioneers, The Women Lawmakers
Born in Pierre, South Dakota, Testu was a Normal School graduate and raised her three children while working as a school teacher. Active in Democratic politics from an early age, Testu served a term as Washington State's National Democratic Committeewoman, later employed as a King County Deputy Sheriff, her special interest in solving the problems of juvenile delinquency contributed to her decision to run for the Legislature.
Representative Testu contributed her experience and expertise to committees such as Educational Institutions and Unemployment Relief and Public Welfare, and in 1949 was the chairwoman of the powerful Transportation Committee. In 1961, as a token of their respect for her. Representative Testu was elected by the members of the House to the largely honorary position of Speaker Pro Tempore.
In addition to her special concerns for education and youth. Representative Testu was especially involved-with legislation that prohibited sexual discrimination in wages. Addressing the House on that issue she said, "It has taken a World War to make men realize that women are as capable, as useful, and as necessary to the state as men are."
--- Political Pioneers, The Women Lawmakers